Riviera Beach police chase ends in fatal shooting, suspect identified

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - A high-speed police pursuit ended in a fatal shooting in Palm Beach Gardens. 

The incident happened at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday night.

A man, identified Saturday as Leon Sahakian, was alleged to have stabbed a woman earlier that night, near the 100 block of West 23rd Street, according to Riviera Beach Police spokeswoman, Rose Anne Brown.

Authorities say Sahakian fled the scene in a vehicle when officers arrived.

Palm Beach Gardens Police and Palm Beach Sheriff's Office assisted Rivera Beach Police in the three-mile pursuit. The chase ended at and Silverthorne Drive and Sun Terrace Circle in Palm Beach Gardens.

Neighbors say they heard a crash and shots fired.

Police say Sahakian pulled his vehicle near someone’s home in the neighborhood and attempted to go inside. According to authorities the suspect would not obey the officers' commands to stop.

At that point the officers said Sahakian lunged at them with a weapon.

Two Riviera Beach officers then opened fire and killed him.

The officers were placed on paid administrative leave.

PBSO is handling the investigation of the officer involved shooting.

Riviera Beach Police will continue the investigation of the earlier incident and police chase.

NewsChannel 5's Dan Corcoran contributed to this report