DEPUTIES FATALLY SHOOT DRUG SUSPECT

Sheriff's deputies shot to death a drug suspect who grabbed one deputy's
gun, authorities said yesterday.

The man, whose identity was not immediately known, was shot at least twice
in the upper body and died at a hospital, Los Angeles County sheriff's
Deputy Steve Jauch said.

Two deputies approached the man at 7:20 a.m. on a street south of downtown
because they suspected he was involved in a drug deal, authorities said.

The man ran. After a brief chase, the man confronted a deputy, who used
pepper spray on him with no effect, Jauch said.

During a struggle, the man managed to get the deputy's gun and point it at
him, authorities said.

The deputy pulled a second gun and fired. The deputy's partner also shot
the man.