Motorcyclist reportedly shot on 405 Freeway in Torrance; investigation snarls traffic
The search for a man who authorities say was shot by a biker he tried to run down on the 405 Freeway in Torrance has been placed on hold.
Tacoma police Lt. Chris Leinbach said late Thursday that an investigation is being conducted into the report of the incident that happened about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in front of Casablanca restaurant.
In a lengthy statement, police said detectives and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are working to determine if the man shot was carrying a handgun or not.
“The matter is currently being investigated by both agencies. We will have the results shortly,” Leinbach said. “At this time, there is no conclusion to be made.”
Los Angeles police released the following photograph after they identified a suspect in the shooting on the 405 Freeway:
The photo shows a man, dressed in a helmet, dark sunglasses and a backpack, running through a light rain on the westbound lanes of Northridge-style Interstate 405, according to police.
The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime because the suspect reportedly yelled “All these immigrants are going to take our jobs” after trying to run down the man in a car, according to police.
“This was a senseless crime and the suspect will be identified soon,” LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore said at a news conference.
The man was shot in the abdomen as he tried to strike the man who got out of a Mercedes SUV, police said, according to a police report.
The man wearing all black fled south on the 405 Freeway at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, police said in a news release, which cited freeway speeds that were between the posted limit of 30 mph and 65 mph.
The man was taken to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition, according to the release.
Police said the man reported the incident to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which issued an arrest warrant after detectives learned of it.
“The victim made statements that he has been shot
