Man in body armor and armed is shot by LASD deputies after pursuit

On December 18, 2021, at approximately 7:26 PM, two deputies assigned to the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station conducted a patrol check of a hotel parking lot located in the 12500 block of Firestone Boulevard in the city of Norwalk.

The deputies observed a parked vehicle in the parking lot occupied by a male and conducted a license plate check. The license plate return indicated it was a felony vehicle and the occupant was considered to be armed and dangerous. Additional details indicated 32-year-old Nicholas Hernandez, a known gang member, was wanted for assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling.

This incident occurred in the city of Pico Rivera on December 11, 2021. The male inside the vehicle was later determined to be Nicholas Hernandez.

As the deputies were receiving the license plate return, Hernandez drove out of the parking lot and sped away from the deputies. Deputies initiated a vehicle pursuit of Hernandez for approximately twenty minutes.

The pursuit led them from surface streets to the Interstate 5 freeway. Hernandez exited the Interstate 5 freeway, in the city of Downey and proceeded eastbound on Gallatin Road. As Hernandez turned south onto Downey & Sanford Bridge Road he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a civilian vehicle which was traveling north on Downey & Sanford Bridge Road.

Hernandez then exited his vehicle and fled on foot. A Sheriff’s helicopter was overhead and directed the deputies to Hernandez, who was standing on the front porch of a residence in the 9500 block of Raviller Drive.

While Hernandez stood facing the front door of the residence, several deputies attempted to detain him at gunpoint. Hernandez turned to face two deputies, pointed a handgun at them, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

Hernandez was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. Deputies approached and disarmed Hernandez, who was in possession of three handguns. Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics arrived at the location and rendered medical aid to Hernandez. Hernandez was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received medical treatment for his injuries.

There were no other persons injured during this incident.

A loaded Polymer 80, 9mm semiautomatic handgun, a loaded R.G. Industries, .38 caliber revolver, and Smith & Wesson, 9mm semiautomatic handgun, were recovered at the scene.