Northbound drivers on the 405 in Westchester ran into a nightmare commute early Friday when a police pursuit ended in a shooting near the Howard Hughes Parkway exit, shutting down part of the freeway just as the morning rush was gearing up. Investigators spread out across the scene in the pre-dawn dark, and at least one person was taken to a hospital.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the incident was reported at about 4 a.m. after a chase that followed a reported robbery. The person pursued in that chase was hospitalized, and no officers were hurt. Details about the robbery itself and the suspect’s condition were not immediately available, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Another Closure on a Familiar Stretch
For drivers who regularly battle traffic near Westchester and LAX, scenes like this are becoming uncomfortably familiar. This stretch of the 405 has seen more than its share of major shutdowns. In February, a pre-dawn 405 rollover crash killed two people and locked up the Westside commute for hours, a grim reminder of how quickly things can go from slow to stopped.
How to Follow Updates
Drivers should plan for delays and keep an eye on official updates before heading into the area. Lane status and traffic conditions are available on Caltrans QuickMap, and additional details may appear in California Highway Patrol logs as the investigation continues. This story will be updated as agencies release more information; for immediate on-the-ground reporting, see NBC Los Angeles.
