Steve Rodriguez, 22

Died Jan. 23, 2012

Steve Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Latino, was shot and killed by Monterey Park police Monday, Jan. 23, in the 1200 block of Cesar Chavez Avenue in Monterey Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The shooting was reported about 9:30 a.m. at a Carl's Jr. near Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. No officers were injured during the incident.

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, whose Homicide Bureau is investigating the shooting.

Sheriff's officials said Monterey Park police were called to the restaurant after witnesses reported a man breaking windows. When they arrived, the officers saw several people run from the restaurant in their direction.

A man with a 3-foot metal bar, later identified as Rodriguez, followed immediately behind them. The officers ordered him several times to drop the bar. He did not heed the command, authorities said, and one of the officers used a Taser on him.

That did not subdue Rodriguez, who got close to officers and swung the bar at them twice, officials said.

"Fearing for their safety, an officer-involved shooting occurred," sheriff's officials said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Andrew Blankstein