HAWTHORNE – Authorities requested the public’s assistance Tuesday in locating the 35-year-old man suspected of firing several rounds at Redondo Beach Police Department officers in Hawthorne, prompting a shootout.
Two officers from the Redondo Beach Police Department South Bay DUI Task Force attempted to conduct a traffic stop involving a motorcyclist in the 12800 block of Prairie Avenue, near El Segundo Boulevard, around 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators identified the motorcyclist as Hawthorne resident Lester Yohan Castro, who ran away, prompting a foot pursuit by both officers.
“The officers followed Castro to the 12900 block of Roselle Avenue,” one block east of Prairie Avenue, “where Castro produced a handgun and fired several rounds at the officer. One of the officers returned fire,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
Castro was last seen heading into the backyards of nearby residences following the exchange of gunfire, and a containment perimeter was set up in the area to locate the suspect, but investigators were unable to find him.
“I am grateful that the violent act against two Redondo Beach Police Department officers did not add to the list of fallen officers,” Redondo Beach Police Department Chief Joe Hoffman said in a statement.
Redondo Beach is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Castro.
Castro was described as a 5-foot-7-inch tall Hispanic man weighing 147 pounds and presumed to be armed and dangerous.
Sheriff’s officials stated that Castro also frequents Lennox and is familiar with Hawthorne.
Anyone with information regarding Castro’s whereabouts was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
