A man allegedly armed with a knife was shot and killed in a confrontation with California Highway Patrol officers on the 710 Freeway in Long Beach, authorities said today.
The shooting occurred shortly after CHP officers went to the northbound 710 Freeway, south of the 405 Freeway, about 11:30 p.m. Thursday in response to a report from Long Beach police of “a pedestrian walking around in lanes,” a CHP statement said.
“CHP units arrived on scene, where they located the pedestrian holding a large size knife,” the statement said. “CHP personnel attempted to get the pedestrian to drop the knife, but they were unsuccessful as he disobeyed all commands.”
Officers tried to use less lethal force to subdue the man, but he refused to drop the knife, authorities said. He then charged the officers in an “aggressive manner” while holding the knife, and police fired.
Paramedics took the wounded man to a hospital, where he died. Authorities withheld his name, pending family notification.
Authorities closed the northbound 710 Freeway in the area, along with the transition road from 405 Freeway to the southbound 710 Freeway, while an investigation was conducted, a closure that was continuing after daybreak.