Suspect Killed After Firing At LAPD During Freeway Chase

Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by Los Angeles Police officers following a pursuit on the 405 Freeway in Westchester as Thomas Hearn.

According to the LAPD, officers responded at approximately 4:15 a.m. on May 29, 2026, to a reported robbery in the 5800 block of Manchester Avenue. Investigators said a cab driver reported being threatened with a firearm and directed officers to the suspect, who was sitting inside a parked vehicle.

Police said officers ordered Hearn to exit the vehicle and surrender, but he instead drove away, leading officers on a pursuit that entered the northbound 405 Freeway.

During the pursuit, investigators allege Hearn stopped near the Howard Hughes Parkway overpass and fired a round from the driver’s side window before continuing northbound.

The pursuit ended south of Jefferson Boulevard when Hearn stopped, exited the vehicle, and allegedly confronted officers while armed. Police said repeated commands to drop the weapon were ignored, leading to an officer-involved shooting.

Paramedics transported Hearn to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

According to the LAPD, officers recovered a loaded 9mm Polymer80 handgun, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” at the scene. No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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