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Zachary Champommier, 18 [Update]

Zachary Nathan Champommier (2010-06-24)

Zachary Champommier, an 18-year-old white man, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers Thursday, June 24, in the 12100 block of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The incident unfolded as members of a multi-jurisdictional task force organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration gathered in a rear parking lot at 12171 Ventura Blvd. for a debriefing after serving a search warrant in the area.

During the meeting, they noticed a man looking inside the parked cars, including those belonging to task force members, said L.A. County sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker.

When one of the agents confronted the man, he became combative and began struggling with the officer, Parker said. A deputy went to the agent's aid, drawing his gun and ordering the suspect to the ground.

A second man behind the wheel of a Toyota sedan, later identified by the coroner's office as Zachary Champommier, appeared suddenly, driving the vehicle at high speed toward the group, Parker said. He rammed the deputy, who was thrown up onto the car hood and windshield before falling to the ground. The deputy and a task force member assigned to the DEA then opened fire.

Officials did not say how many times Champommier was shot; however according to coroner's records, Champommier suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm and left armpit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The first suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

"It was happenstance that detectives selected this parking lot," Parker said. "But this case shows that you never know what's going to happen."

The deputy was treated at a hospital for cuts and bruises after being struck by the Toyota sedan, Parker said.

-- Andrew Blankstein

[Update, Aug. 21, 2013: Family of honors teen slain by DEA agents awarded $3 million]

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