LASD fatally shoots man who pulled out a gun at a Carson gas station

On August 7, 2023, at 1:55 a.m., Carson Station deputies responded to a business in the 17400 block of S. Central Avenue in the city of Carson, regarding a call of a person acting suspiciously. Information in the call indicated a male was causing a disturbance and screaming at the gas pumps. The male was later identified as 34-year-old Arturo Cernas of Los Angeles.

Upon arrival, deputies located Cernas near the west entrance of the gas station and immediately noticed the butt of a handgun protruding from Cernas’ pant pocket. The deputies gave Cernas numerous orders to keep his hands up, not reach for or remove the firearm from his pocket. Cernas ignored the deputies’ commands and began to draw the handgun from inside his pocket.

A less lethal 40mm foam projectile was fired at Cernas; however, Cernas continued to draw the weapon from his pocket and almost simultaneously, a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

Cernas was struck by gunfire and tossed the firearm to the ground. Deputies rendered first aid until the arrival of the Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.

Paramedics pronounced Cernas dead at the scene.

A CO2 BB pistol was recovered at the scene.

There were no other persons injured in the incident.