Man Shot to Death During Traffic Stop Is Identified

A Lomita man who was shot to death by Torrance police officers over the weekend when he allegedly drew a gun during a traffic stop has been identified, authorities said.

Richard Thorpe, 39, was driving a sport utility truck when he was pulled over Saturday at 5:10 p.m. in the 2200 block of Sepulveda Boulevard by two Torrance police officers because the vehicle’s registration tags had expired, said Sgt. Marc Wilkins. Officers smelled alcohol as they approached the car and asked Thorpe to step out of the vehicle, Wilkins said. The driver then shoved one of the officers and drew a handgun from his waistband, authorities said.

Both officers opened fire on Thorpe, striking him in the upper body, Wilkins said. Paramedics treated the victim and pronounced him dead at 5:21 p.m.

Wilkins said Thorpe was on parole and that a no-bail warrant had recently been issued for him for a weapons violation.