California Highway Patrol officers shot and killed a driver Tuesday during a confrontation in East Los Angeles.
Officers fired at the vehicle around 3:15 p.m., in an industrial area near the intersection of North Indiana and Medford streets, according to CHP.
A witness told CBS 2 News the driver appeared to be under the influence as he interacted with an officer.
“He raised his hands up, put them behind his neck, just the way they told him,” Dalilia Mendez said. “But I guess he was kinda drunk so when he turned around he stumbled and then that’s when they tasered him.”
Other witnesses recalled officers opening fire shortly after the man was tased, alleging he reached toward one patrolman.
CHP said officers initially responded to a 911 regarding a two-car crash. Police did not elaborate on what led to the shooting.
The L.A. Times identified the driver as 24-year-old Leonel Chavez.
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Humberto Guizar, an attorney for the Chavez family, told the Times that the use of a stun gun proved deadly force wasn't necessary.
“I know CHP isn’t saying anything, and I am not surprised given the circumstances,” Guizar said. “What can they say? They shot a man without justification.”
In addition to the district attorney's office, the Santa Ana Police, CHP and Anaheim Police are investigating the shooting.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he launched an investigation.
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