LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) police officer died shortly before 11 a.m. today in the line of duty. The officer was on patrol on Lincoln Boulevard adjacent to the north perimeter of the airport. Preliminary information indicates the officer encountered a pedestrian and subsequent activities led to the crash of the officer's police sedan.
The pedestrian related to that crash then carjacked a vehicle from a passerby and crashed it 300 yards east into the airport's perimeter fence. The driver was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a hospital.
Airport operations were not affected. Transportation Security Administration officials said the chain of events was NOT an act of terrorism.
The officer's name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The criminal investigation is being led by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division. A concurrent administrative investigation is being conducted by LAX Police officials.
It was the first fatality of an LAX police officer in the 59-year history of the force.
Lincoln Boulevard was closed in both directions between Westchester Parkway and Sepulveda Blvd.
Anyone with information about these events is urged to contact LAPD at 1-877-LAWFULL (877-529-3855).
A news conference is planned for 4 p.m. at the intersection of Sepulveda and Lincoln boulevards to provide additional information as the investigations continue.