Coroner’s office names victim of police shooting in Compton
A carjacking suspect killed by SWAT officers in Compton on Thursday has been identified as 27-year-old Donnell Thompson Jr., according to L.A. County coroner’s spokesman Lt. David Smith.
The fatal shooting marked the end of a police chase that began in the morning when Compton station deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near 138th Street and Alameda Avenue.
After running a check on the license plate, the deputies discovered that the vehicle had been stolen earlier that night in South Los Angeles, authorities said. When the deputies called for backup, the driver sped away and shots were fired at the pursuing deputies.
The vehicle eventually crashed into the curb, and two suspects escaped into a nearby neighborhood, according to sheriff’s officials. One was taken into custody after deputies found him hiding in a home.
The other, now identified as Thompson, was found hiding in someone’s yard. When deputies approached him, he charged at them, officials said.
Thinking he was armed, the officers opened fire. Officials said it was unclear whether Thompson had a weapon. A gun was not recovered Thursday.
Times staff writers Erica Evans and Veronica Rocha contributed to this report.
soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com
Twitter: @skarlamangla
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