Introduction to the Incident
Authorities Wednesday identified a woman who was shot by an officer during a standoff after leading police on a pursuit across the San Fernando Valley on Memorial Day.
Details of the Pursuit
The Los Angeles Police Department said officers first spotted 42-year-old Claudia Corugedo in a white van with multiple bullet holes in the windshield after receiving a call about a possible shooting on Sherman Way near Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood at around 7:15 a.m. Monday. Corugedo, who had a felony warrant, refused to surrender and pointed what appeared to be a black semiautomatic pistol at her throat while driving recklessly, the LAPD said.
Standoff in Woodland Hills
When Corugedo’s van came to a stop on Arcana Road in Woodland Hills, she and officers were on a standoff with the suspect, at one point, sitting on top of the van. The LAPD said, after over an hour of negotiations with a SWAT team, the woman began walking toward the front door of a residence while holding her pistol and large machete. And that’s when an officer opened fire, causing her to collapse near the entryway of the residence, according to police.
Discovery of the BB Gun and Machete
The pistol turned out to be a BB gun, designed to look like a semiautomatic weapon, the police said.
In addition to the BB gun, Corugedo was also found to be in possession of a metal machete during the standoff.
Aftermath and Charges
Corugedo, who was taken to a hospital for the gunshot wounds, was booked for the felony evading charge.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during high-pressure situations and the importance of accurate assessment of potential threats. The use of a BB gun designed to resemble a real firearm and the possession of a metal machete by the suspect escalated the situation, leading to the officer’s decision to open fire.
FAQs
- Q: What was the initial reason for the police pursuit?
- A: The pursuit began after a call about a possible shooting on Sherman Way near Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood.
- Q: What did the suspect point at her throat during the pursuit?
- A: The suspect pointed what appeared to be a black semiautomatic pistol at her throat.
- Q: What was the outcome of the standoff?
- A: The standoff ended with the suspect being shot by an officer after she began walking towards a residence with a BB gun and a machete.
- Q: What charges was the suspect booked for?
- A: The suspect, Claudia Corugedo, was booked for felony evading charge.
