A Huntington Park Police Department officer shot and killed an alleged arsonist who was armed with a knife early Tuesday morning, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is assisting with the investigation.
The 44-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, had reportedly set a fire at Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave., prompting police to be called just before 12:30 a.m., the LASD said in a news release.
The man had a “large knife,” and despite HPPD officers demanding he drop the weapon, the man “failed to comply,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
Despite the use of a stun gun, the man “continued to pose an immediate threat,” and at least one officer opened fire.
The man was declared dead at a local hospital, and a knife was found at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
