Man is shot in tussle over gun

A 20-year-old man was in critical condition Friday after being shot by a sheriff’s deputy in a tussle over the deputy’s weapon, authorities said.

Two deputies were investigating a suspected gang- related incident about midnight Thursday near Boer Avenue and Waddell Street when they encountered a man who matched a description they were given, said Sgt. Diane Hecht of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The deputies approached the unarmed man, identified as Xavier Fresquez, who refused to cooperate with the deputies, Hecht said. They chased Fresquez into a nearby yard, where a deputy confronted him. A struggle ensued, and Fresquez allegedly reached for the weapon in the deputy’s hand, Hecht said. The deputy fired, hitting Fresquez in the upper torso.

Fresquez was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition but expected to survive. Authorities identified him as a gang member. No deputies were injured.