Couch Arsonist Shot After Firing Gun At Firefighters [UPDATED]
An arson suspect was shot and wounded by a sheriff's deputy early Saturday after opening fire on firefighters.
Firefighters responded to an outdoor residence fire at 474 Solano Avenue in Lincoln Heights after a 4:49am call this morning. L.A. fire Capt. Tom Sammartano told City News Service that as firefighters arrived on the scene, the arson suspect began firing at them with a gun. Firefighters took cover and radioed for help, and a passing sheriff's deputy shot and wounded the suspect.
KTLA reports that the suspect allegedly lit a couch on fire outside an apartment complex. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze once the suspect was subdued.
The suspect was transported to an area hospital, and his condition is unknown. His name has not been released.
An investigation is underway.
12:44 PM L.A. Now reports that the arson suspect has died of his gunshot wounds. He died about a half-hour after the shooting occurred. Authorities are now reporting that the man, whose identity has yet to be released, did not fire his gun but threatened firefighters and a sheriff's deputy with his weapon. The deputy shot the man when he refused to drop his weapon.
