COMPTON - A man accused of a hit-and-run at a Compton gas station was shot after he ran from sheriff's deputies and allegedly reached for his waistband.The incident began Saturday at about 7:19 p.m. Sheriff's deputies were stopped at a red light at Rosecrans and Santa Fe avenues when they spotted a male Hispanic adult driving a white pick-up truck collide with another car in a gas station parking lot. The suspect drove off and deputies gave chase. The suspect refused to pull over and drove north on Long Beach Boulevard in the southbound lanes, authorities said. The suspect allegedly ran several red lights before losing control of the pick-up and crashing into a tree on the west side of Long Beach Boulevard. Authorities say the man got out of the car and ran, crossing all lanes of traffic before he turned back toward the deputies while grabbing his waistband. Thinking he was reaching for a gun, a deputy fired one round, striking the suspect. The suspect, who was unarmed, was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound. He is expected to survive. The victims of the hit-and-run were not hurt. The pick-up the suspect was driving had been reported stolen on Sept. 7. Authorities said the suspect is a confirmed local gang member and on probation for a narcotics violation.

********** Published: September 13, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 22