A pursuit suspect remained in critical, but stable, condition Wednesday afternoon after a chase ended with gunfire Tuesday night.
A man identified by police as 24-year-old Ian Schlesinger, a murder suspect, led officers on an hour-long pursuit on freeways and surface streets before ramming a vehicle at 7th Street and Bixel Street. Officers returned fire after Schlesinger allegedly confronted them with what authorities said was an AK-47 assault rifle.
"I don't think he surrendered at all," said Sgt. Rudy Lopez. "He was hit by officer gunfire and he fell to the ground. I don't think he meant or intended to surrender."
NBC4 confirmed late Tuesday that LAPD officers shot and killed the suspect's brother two years ago after a pursuit. Jack Schlesinger, 25, also exited a stolen vehicle with an AK-47 before officers shot him, police told NBC4.
"My understanding is that his brother was involved in an officer-involved shooting here in Rampart several years ago," said LAPD Commander Andrew Smith.
Tuesday's pursuit began near Sunset and Rosemont boulevards after a Honda Civic's LoJack system alerted police to the stolen vehicle. The suspect was originally wanted in connection with an armed carjacking Tuesday morning, but he was later identified as the suspect in a May murder near downtown Los Angeles.
The pursuit, the second rush-hour pursuit in 24 hours, continued through Silver Lake, Echo Park, Elysian Park and downtown. The driver in a pursuit Monday that ended in Pacoima remains at large.
