Teen killed by police after freeway pursuit
WOODLAND HILLS, CA (BDCi) – A 19-year-old was shot and killed by police following a high speed pursuit that ended on the 101 Freeway.
The reckless driving suspect, Abdul Arian, told a 911 operator that he was armed and that he had been arrested in the past for possession of destructive devices.
“If they pull their guns, I’m gonna have to pull my gun out on them.”
But Arian’s family says he was afraid of cops and did not have a gun on him.
Officers spotted Arian driving erratically near the Northridge Fashion Center but he refused to pull over after they tried to stop him, initiating the pursuit.
The chase continued onto the 101 westbound, where officers rammed Arian’s vehicle near the Canoga Avenue on-ramp.
Arian got out of his car and tried to run. He then turned to the officers and appeared to be holding something.
Officers then opened fire on Arian, fatally wounding him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say that preliminary investigations show Arian was not armed at the time of the shooting.
LPAD Lt. Andy Neiman said, “The investigation will reveal exactly what the suspect’s actions were that prompted the shooting…”
“People have seen the video…that gives the impression that the suspect definitely had something in his hand.”
Eight LAPD officers fired at Arian with over 90 rounds.
By: Diego Díaz
Source: KTLA
Photo: KTLA
13 April 2012
12:00 a.m. P.D.T.