A story for every victim

Antonio Perez, 32

Antonio Perez, a 32-year-old Latino, was fatally wounded by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy on Thursday, March 12, in the 2400 block of Flower Street in Walnut Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle that had been reported stolen about 6:30 p.m., but the vehicle sped away, according to a news release from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies lost sight of the vehicle but later found it had crashed in an alleyway. Two people -- described by authorities as a Latino and a Latina, ran away.

A department helicopter spotted the man and the woman running through yards in the area. The man, later identified as Perez, continued to run from deputies. "When the deputies attempted to make contact again, the suspect turned on the deputies with his hands in his waistband," according to a statement from the department.

Perez was shot by a single deputy, said Lt. Dave Coleman. Perez was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:54 p.m., said Ed Winter, assistant chief of investigations for the coroner's office.

No weapon has been located. The woman was taken into custody.

Authorities later learned that as Perez was attempting to flee, he broke into two occupied homes and stole various items. No residents were injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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