HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - Authorities today released the name of a body-armor-clad man who was shot to death by police in Hollywood after allegedly backing his car into a patrol vehicle and approaching officers on foot with his right hand hidden behind his back.
Richard Solitro, 34, died at the scene of Saturday's 2:37 p.m. shooting, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office, which said his city of residence was unknown.
NBC4 reported that Solitro was a long-term guest at the Quality Inn Hotel on La Brea Avenue, and that his family lived in Rhode Island.
The shooting occurred at Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers were en route to a radio call with their lights and siren on when a car pulled in front of them, stopped suddenly and backed into their patrol vehicle, according to an LAPD statement posted on Twitter.
“The driver of the car exited, was wearing body armor, & had his right hand concealed behind him. He moved toward the ofcrs who had exited their patrol car. He counted ‘3, 2, 1 & began to move his arm to the front of his body, at which time there was an OIS (officer-involved shooting),'' the statement said.
Solitro's car bore decals spelling out messages including “New world order,'' “Women Rule'' and “Cancel all Bibles.'' Police said officers had activated their body-worn cameras, which captured video of the shooting.
On Sunday, investigators said they had yet to recover any weapon from the suspect, and were still interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. On Monday, police said no further information was available.
The LAPD's Hollywood station urged anyone with information regarding the incident to call them at 213-972-2971.
The shooting was the second involving Los Angeles police in two days.
About 2:30 a.m. Friday, officers were sent to the 5200 block of Whitsett Avenue in the Valley Village area on a report of a man armed with a knife, police said.
“When they encountered the man, they used less lethal munitions which were not effective (and) an OIS occurred,'' according to an LAPD statement. “The man was struck by gunfire (and) taken to a local hospital where he is in stable condition.''
Officers found the suspect on a sidewalk after he apparently fell from a balcony, still holding a knife, Fox11 reported.
A knife was recovered at the scene, according to the police.
Photo: North Providence Police Department
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