The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A motorist wanted for more than 30 holdups was shot and killed by undercover detectives outside an International House of Pancakes after he allegedly tried to rob a Taco Bell several miles away, police said.
No other injuries were reported.
Undercover detectives were following a white SUV from the scene of the robbery attempt shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, when they confronted its driver in the IHOP parking lot, police spokesman Don Cox said.
The driver allegedly pointed a gun at the detectives, who then opened fire.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was not immediately released, Cox said.
Detectives had information that the suspect committed more than 30 robberies in the San Fernando Valley, police said.
“He was really terrorizing the Valley,” police Lt. Jim Grayson said.
Usually wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, he also hit doughnut shops and convenience stores, police said.
“He would go in and more or less show his gun and get the money,” Grayson said. “He got to the point he’d almost do it every day.”
The shooting will be investigated by the district attorney’s office and the Police Department.