Hawthorne police officer says bar patron pulled gun before shooting
Investigators review footage after a 34-year-old man was killed inside The Coach's Sports Bar and Grill during a late-night dispute.
By Julia Wang ·
Hawthorne police officers fired at a man inside a local bar on Wednesday evening, killing him, according to a statement released Monday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Lt. German Ochoa said the suspect, believed to be 34 years old, had a firearm in his waistband when he was inside The Coach’s Sports Bar and Grill at 13708 S. Inglewood Ave. around 8:30 p.m. Ochoa noted that while the man displayed the weapon, he did not appear to threaten anyone with it before police entered.
When officers arrived, they ordered the man to drop the gun. Ochoa stated the man failed to comply and instead pulled the weapon from his waistband, bringing both hands together on the grip. It remained unclear if he pointed the firearm at the officers.
Two officers discharged their weapons in response, with at least one bullet striking the man. Paramedics transported him to a hospital where he died. Ochoa said investigators are currently reviewing video from inside the bar as well as body-worn camera footage.
Approximately 10 other people, including employees, were inside the establishment during the incident. Authorities have not yet determined how long the man was in the bar, if he was intoxicated, or if he was with anyone.
The initial call to police came after a patron noticed the firearm in the man’s waistband. A second call reported that he had removed the weapon and tucked it back in. Ochoa described the behavior as exhibiting rather than threatening. The suspect’s identity has been withheld pending notification of relatives.
