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The driver of a stolen Toyota Camry is in critical condition after four deputies opened fire at the end of a pursuit in Pico-Union.
The stolen vehicle was used as a deadly weapon several times, ramming into both deputy and civilian vehicles, according to LASD Lieutenant Patricia Thomas.
The chase began sometime before 2:45 p.m. after sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a carjacking in East Los Angeles. The pursuit ended near the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Vermont Avenue after the driver crashed into a pole.
Video from NewsChopper 4 showed a bullet-clad sedan stopped on the sidewalk near the intersection. First responders were then seen transporting the driver to an area hospital.
"Oh, man, yeah, I was outside. I was on the phone with my lady. Next thing you know, I hear screeching tires coming out this block right here on 17th Street. Mad sheriffs coming left and right. I was like, holy, what the, you know, what's going on," said pursuit witness Bryan Fuentes.
The shooting is still under investigation but Fuentes said he saw the driver put his left hand out of the window before the deputies fired their weapons.
“LA City Fire personnel responded, treated the suspect, and transported him to a local hospital where he's currently listed in critical condition," said Thomas.