An off-duty LAPD officer who was shot and killed during a robbery attempt in South L.A. has been identified as 27-year-old Fernando Arroyos, a three-year veteran of the department.
Sheriff's deputies responded about 9:15 p.m. Monday to the 8700 block of Beach Street, west of South Gate, where they found Officer Arroyos with gunshot wounds, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"A black pickup truck approached the male adult victim, an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer, and several suspects exited the vehicle," according to a sheriff's statement. "An argument ensued and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The pickup drove away in an unknown direction. Deputies from the Century Station responded to the location and transported the victim in their patrol car to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased."
A perimeter spanning several blocks was set up as deputies scoured the area for suspects.
Authorities said Arroyos was in a car with his girlfriend and exited the vehicle when the confrontation occurred with the three suspects, and the officer is believed to have exchanged gunfire with the assailants. It's unclear if any of the suspects were struck. Arroyos' girlfriend was not injured.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, appearing at an LAUSD back-to-school event Tuesday morning, said Officer Arroyos was a son of immigrants. The mayor said the officer was with his girlfriend at the time of the attack, looking for their first home.
"My heart is broken. Our city's heart is broken, and certainly our LAPD family's hearts all grieve," Garcetti said. "I spoke with his mother, who's an immigrant, last night, at the hospital and stepfather."
"And so I just want to send my love again to the family, to the LAPD family," he said. "This man died a hero trying to defend himself and his girlfriend."
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said authorities recovered the officer's handgun and a firearm believed used by a suspect in the crime.
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