Ambush Suspect Is Killed in Shootout With Officers : LAPD: Officers in Hawthorne were seeking man wanted in last month’s attack on anti-gang detail.

A suspect wanted in one of last month’s ambush attacks on Los Angeles Police Department anti-gang officers was killed by officers Friday night in a dramatic shootout in Hawthorne.

The dead man was identified by police as 20-year-old Terrance Thomas, who had been the focus of an intense manhunt stretching from Los Angeles to Denver. Thomas, who police had described as a “known gang member,” was being sought on charges of attempted murder and assault with a firearm on a police officer for his alleged involvement in the Sept. 28 shooting of Officer Ray Mendoza.

Mendoza, who is recovering from gunshot wounds, and his partner in an anti-gang unit were transporting a 17-year-old prisoner when they were attacked near 53rd Street and Broadway.

One suspect was shot during the attack and another was arrested shortly afterward, but Thomas had remained at large.

Friday’s shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near Broadway and Prairie Avenue, west of Hawthorne Municipal Airport, police said.

LAPD officers converged on an apartment building near the intersection after receiving information regarding Thomas from an anti-gang officer with the Police Department in Denver, which Thomas had apparently visited several times recently. Thomas’ brother lived in a unit in the building, police said.

“The suspects observed the officers, and a gun battle ensued,” Los Angeles Police Officer Don Cox said.

Lt. William Hall, who investigates officer-involved shootings, said Thomas leaped 20 feet from a second-story window before firing at officers, who shot back.