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A Los Angeles police officer was shot and wounded during a gun battle in Watts that left an 18-year-old man dead Monday night.

Police are seen in Watts after an officer was shot on July 25, 2016. (Credit: OnScene.TV)
Police are seen in Watts after an officer was shot on July 25, 2016. (Credit: OnScene.TV)

The incident was reported about 11:10 p.m. near the intersection of 111th and Antwerp streets.

Officers were conducting an extra patrol in the Nickerson Gardens housing project when they went to disperse a group of people who were described in initial reports as being disruptive, said Lt. Chris Ramirez with the Los Angeles Police Department.

While officers were dispersing the group, “a suspect fled on foot” and officers gave chase, Ramirez said.

At some point, the man took out a handgun and shots were exchanged between the suspect and at least one officer, Ramirez said.

An officer was shot during the incident and was hospitalized in stable condition. The officer was later released from the hospital and was going to be OK, Ramirez said.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck tweeted about the incident.

The man was struck during the shootout and died at the scene, said Ramirez, who added that a weapon was found.

The mother of the man who was killed said her son was only running across the street when he was shot for no reason. She identified him as Richard Risher, 18.

“The police killed my son for nothing. He was running across the street and they killed my son,” Lisa Simpson said through tears.

The shooting was under investigation, Ramirez said.

Sgt. James Linder told the Los Angeles Times that an “agitated” crowd gathered after the shooting, but the group eventually dispersed.

KTLA’s Stephen Acosta and Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.