**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**
Los Angeles: On June 5, 2026, at around 4:15 a.m., Pacific Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of a robbery in the 5000 block of West Manchester Boulevard. The comments of the call indicated the victim was following the suspect. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim who directed them to the suspect, later identified as Thomas Hearn, seated inside a parked vehicle.
Officers ordered Hearn to exit the vehicle and surrender; however, he refused and drove away. Officers followed Hearn and activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. When Hearn failed to yield, officers initiated a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit continued onto the northbound 405 Freeway. As Hearn approached the Howard Hughes Parkway overpass, he stopped his vehicle and fired one round from the driver’s side window. Hearn then resumed driving, and the pursuit continued northbound until he stopped south of Jefferson Boulevard.
Hearn exited his vehicle while armed with a black handgun and faced the pursuing officers. Officers issued numerous commands for Hearn to drop the weapon; however, he refused to comply, and an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) occurred. Hearn was struck by gunfire, fell to the ground, and dropped the handgun.
Officers approached, took him into custody without further incident and rendered aid. The officers requested medical assistance, Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported Hearn to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
At the scene, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic Polymer80 handgun, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” was recovered and booked as evidence. No officers or community members were injured during the incident. Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene and assumed investigative responsibility for this incident.