Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
We Explain L.A.
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:

KPCC Logo

Live Stream Schedule In Person

Keep up with LAist

Our top stories delivered weeknights
Donate

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Cops: Man They Shot on 101 Freeway Was Unarmed, But Told 911 He Had a Gun and Would Use It

By  Lindsay William-Ross
Published Apr 11, 2012 11:00 PM
Video shows the pursuit suspect turning around and possibly pointing something at LAPD officers, who opened fire in response, killing the man (Screenshot)
Before you read more...
Dear reader, we're asking you to help us keep local news available for all. Your tax-deductible financial support keeps our stories free to read, instead of hidden behind paywalls. We believe when reliable local reporting is widely available, the entire community benefits. Thank you for investing in your neighborhood.

The Los Angeles Police Department announced this afternoon they determined that a man they fatally shot at the end of a brief pursuit Wednesday night on the 101 Freeway was unarmed, but that he had called 911 during the chase to say that he had a gun.

19-year-old Abdul Arian was fatally shot by LAPD officers on the 101 Freeway last night just before 10 p.m. when he jumped out of his stopped vehicle and began to run across the lanes. Authorities say that during the chase, Arian had called 911 and threatened to shoot the pursuing officers, according to City News Service.

In a news release regarding the incident, the LAPD says Arian made several troubling statements to the 911 dispatcher:


“I have a gun.”
“I’ve been arrested before for possession of destructive devices, I’m not afraid of the cops.”
“If they pull their guns, I’m gonna have to pull my gun out on them.” The 911 dispatcher implored the suspect to stop, telling him, “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
The suspect responded, “I’m not gonna get hurt S---head, F--- these police, they’re gonna get hurt."

When Arian exited the car, he turned to face officers as he fled. He appeared to have an item in his hand, and officers opened fire. The LAPD describe Arian has having taken an "aggressive shooting stance."
Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

But Arian's uncle, Hamed Arian, said his nephew was only carrying his cellphone. The victim's relative also said that the young Arian was hoping to have a career in law enforcement.

Arian had been pulled over for a traffic violation in Northridge, but refused to stop, which initiated a chase first on the streets, then on the 101 Freeway.

The LAPD are conducting a full investigation of the officer-involved shooting.