A heavy police response unfolded Tuesday morning outside the California Science Center after reports of an armed man carrying a rifle near Exposition Park.
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According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers began receiving multiple 911 calls around 9:40 a.m. about a man walking in the area of 700 Exposition Park Drive while visibly armed with a rifle. The location, which sits near popular museums and public attractions, immediately raised concerns about public safety.
A LAPD motorcycle officer was the first to spot the suspect and quickly radioed for backup. Additional units arrived within minutes and attempted to make contact. Police say officers repeatedly issued clear commands for the man to drop the weapon.
He did not comply.
Witnesses in the area say the situation escalated rapidly. Initial shots fired by officers reportedly struck the concrete base of a nearby lamp post as police attempted to stop the suspect without immediately striking him.
One eyewitness, Stacy Hutchinson, described a moment that she believes changed everything.
“He had his hands up, then he lowered them and grabbed the gun,” Hutchinson said.
“Big mistake. To me, he was looking for trouble. I think he wanted to die.”
Seconds later, officers opened fire, striking the suspect. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the man did not survive. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or clarified why he was armed in the area.
Police quickly secured the scene as investigators shut down portions of the park. Families and visitors were evacuated as a precaution while detectives examined shell casings, witness footage, and body-worn camera video.
LAPD officials stated that the shooting will undergo a standard internal review, including use-of-force analysis and body camera evaluation. No officers were reported injured.
The incident has reignited debate around police response to armed suspects in public spaces, particularly near family-oriented venues. Officials emphasized that officers faced a rapidly evolving and potentially deadly situation.
