Man Sought in Murder Killed in Police Chase

A murder suspect was killed in a shoot-out with police in a Wilmington neighborhood after he shouted, “If you want me, come and get me,” authorities said Sunday.

No officers were injured in the shooting, which occurred as officers chased the suspect through back yards and into the 1500 block of East Cruces Street about 7 p.m. Saturday, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Kathleen Murcott.

The murder suspect, a 23-year-old man, was not identified pending notification of relatives.

The suspect was wanted in the Aug. 13 shooting death of Lanny Tapp during an argument that took place a few blocks from Saturday’s gun battle.

Police said they learned of the suspect’s whereabouts Saturday from a resident in the Wilmington neighborhood. Five officers went to Cruces Street, where another resident pointed out the suspect and said he was carrying a gun, Murcott said.

A chase ensued, with the suspect ending up in front of a Cruces Street residence, where Officers Michael Marco, 42, and Matthew Spillane, 24, were waiting, Murcott said.

When the suspect saw the officers, he pointed a gun and said, “If you want me, come and get me,” and began firing shots at them, Murcott said.

The two officers fired a total of 12 rounds at the suspect, who then collapsed in the street, she said. He died about 30 minutes later at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.

Police recovered a .32-caliber semiautomatic pistol at the shooting scene.