Police Kill 1, Wound 2 in Shootout

A band of thieves who had been lured into a trap opened fire on police Wednesday, touching off a gun battle that left one suspect dead, two wounded and two others in custody, authorities said.

No police officers were hurt.

The five bandits, who authorities said had committed home invasions and robberies of narcotics dealers while posing as law enforcement officers, had entered an auto body shop east of downtown when police closed the trap, Los Angeles Police Lt. Art Miller said.

The suspects were removing 200 pounds of cocaine that police had placed at the location when gunfire broke out, Miller said.

“One of the suspects discovered a SWAT officer on the perimeter and began firing,” Miller said. “Our officers returned fire.”

Special Weapons and Tactics officers killed one suspect and wounded two others, one of whom was reported in critical condition at White Memorial Hospital. Officers seized two weapons, both of which were described as small, assault-style guns.

Police had trailed the thieves for five weeks.

Miller said SWAT officers were called in because the robbers had a violent history.

“These suspects were armed and dangerous,” Miller said.

“They had a history of posing as police,” he said. “We knew there was the potential for violence here.”

The shootout took place at 2620 E. Washington Blvd. after the gang had been given information suggesting that narcotics dealers were keeping merchandise there.

Miller said that during the confrontation, some suspects wore law enforcement clothing, including an FBI hat.

“It is scary any time you have suspects dressed as officers,” Miller said. “It puts everyone in danger, not only the community but also our officers.”