A deputy shot at a man who allegedly drove a vehicle into him in Cerritos on Thursday.
The driver subsequently died after crashing the car, though it is still unclear if he was killed by the smash or due to being hit by gunfire.
The deputy suffered only minor injuries in the shooting, which occurred about 4:35 p.m. in the 13200 block of Artesia Boulevard, near Carmenita Road, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Eddie Hernandez said.
The suspect's vehicle crashed in the 17200 block of Pires Avenue, near the shooting location, smashing into an electrical box, taking down a light pole and shearing a fire hydrant -- sending a geyser into the air and flooding streets, according to the sheriff's department.
In addition to the dead man, a woman was taken into custody, Hernandez said. She was not hit by gunfire.
The deputy was investigating a report of suspicious activity in the area, Hernandez said.
A resident reported that the woman taken into custody had knocked on the resident's door and asked for someone unknown to the resident.
News
Top news of the day
When the sheriff's department responded, the driver allegedly fumbled with his waistband when the deputy tried to question him, before speeding towards him. That's when the deputy opened fire, Hernandez said. The County Coroner will determine whether the driver died from gunshots or the crash.
The deputy complained of pain to his left and side and was taken to a hospital to be examined, he said.
A witness said law enforcement had set up a perimeter before approaching the vehicle.
"After they came they had the street blocked off," the witness said. "They just waited there about five minutes before they walked up to the car."
