Man Shot in Trash Bin After Chase Is Identified

The man who allegedly popped out of a trash bin, fired at officers and was killed by return fire was sought for parole violations and his involvement in the attempted murder of a CHP officer, officials said Thursday.

Armando Padernal, 19, died Wednesday night behind a home in the 2400 block of Meadowvale Avenue next to Elysian Park.

Police sought Padernal after a May 7 incident in which he allegedly shot at a California Highway Patrol officer who tried to stop him for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Sgt. John Pasquariello.

The Wednesday incident began when a Northeast Division patrol officer spotted Padernal driving a Chevrolet Blazer and recognized him from a wanted poster.

The officer attempted a traffic stop and Padernal fled, leading the officer on brief vehicle and foot chases in the neighborhood near the Los Angeles River, Pasquariello said.

“He ran down the wash and tried to hide in a crowd,” he said. “Then he ran behind the house and into the trash can.”

Pauline Pritchett, who lives near where Padernal was shot, said she saw Padernal as she unlocked her driveway gate.

She said she asked him if he was OK and he politely said yes. Seconds later the police came around the corner, she said.

Padernal, who lived in the neighborhood, ran down Riverdale Avenue, through a neighbor’s yard and jumped into a trash bin, police said. Five officers surrounded it and yelled for Padernal to come out. About an hour later, he jumped up and fired at the officers, police said. They returned fire.

Officer John Harrison, 37, was wounded in the right thigh and right middle finger. Harrison was taken to County-USC Medical Center and admitted in satisfactory condition.

After the shooting, Padernal either went back or fell into the trash bin, Pasquariello said.

Not knowing if he was wounded, alive or dead, officers were hesitant to approach the bin.

They called the Special Weapons and Tactics team, which opened the trash bin and found Padernal’s body. Some of Padernal’s friends visited the shooting site and set up a memorial, leaving cards and lighted candles.