Man Shot, Killed at Hospital Reached for Deputy's Gun: LA Sheriff's Department
The man reached for a deputy's weapon before another deputy opened fire, according to investigators
A man who reached for a deputy's weapon was shot and killed at a hospital in Inglewood, according to investigators. Witness Ken Cobb said "everything exploded" after deputies released the man's handcuff. Toni Guinyard reports for Today in LA on Thursday Oct. 18, 2012.
A deputy shot and killed a man who was in custody on suspicion of illegal drug possession early Thursday at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood after the man reached for another deputy's weapon, according to investigators.
Two deputies accompanied the man in the emergency room at the hospital after his arrest Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, according to investigators. A deputy opened fire after the man tried to grab the other deputy's gun.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"There were no other patients, hospital staff, physicians or visitors in the exam room at the time of the shooting," according to a hospital statement.
The man arrived at the hospital in an ambulance after firefighter-paramedics recommended he receive medical attention.
"During his stay at South LA Station, he had a medical situation and the jailer called the fire department," said Lt. Holly Francisco.
A witness at the hospital told NBC4 the man's handcuffs had just been removed so he could sign papers at the hospital.
"Then, everything exploded after that," said Ken Cobb. "I heard the gunshot, and I just made sure I was out of the way."
The subject had one hand handcuffed to the gurney and used his free hand to reach for the deputy's weapon, Francisco said. He was "aggressively trying to take the gun from the deputy," Francisco said.
The coroner arrived at about 6:30 a.m. to remove the body.
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