May 31, 2007

Gang Member Fatally Shot

Los Angeles: A local gang member armed with a handgun was shot by police yesterday after he confronted officers. The suspect's loaded .45 semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene.

The incident began on Monday, May 28, 2007 around 11:00 p.m., when officers on patrol in the area of 88th Place and Main Street saw Jamar Whitherspoon, 18, riding as a passenger on a "pocket-motorcycle." Whitherspoon was an Assault with a Deadly Weapon suspect, police said.

When Whitherspoon saw the officers, he jumped from the motorcycle and ran south on Main Street before trying to hop over a fence.

Officer Jeff Bright, 35, and his partner, were responding to the area to assist other officers when they saw Whitherspoon. As Officer Bright got out of his police vehicle, the suspect ran toward him. Officer Bright saw Whitherspoon had a handgun in his waistband, fired and struck him.

Whitherspoon was rushed by paramedics to California Hospital, where he later died.

Officer Bright is assigned to Southeast Division Gang Enforcement Detail and is a 10-year LAPD veteran.

No officers were injured in the incident.

Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and is handling the investigation.