A South Los Angeles man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after police say he opened fire on an LAPD helicopter and later refused to surrender, prompting a lengthy standoff that drew specialized units to the 77th Street Division.
According to LAPD, the incident began around 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, when 77th Street Division officers responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon in the 2100 block of West 76th Street. As ground units headed toward the scene, an LAPD air support crew began circling overhead and spotted the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Anthony Whitsey, standing in the front yard of his home.
The tactical flight officer reported seeing Whitsey fire three to five rounds from a handgun directly at the orbiting police helicopter, according to LAPD. The air crew immediately broadcast an “Officer Needs Help” call, prompting additional units to respond…