According to Columbus police Sgt. Rich Weiner, Abram Bynum motioned that he had a weapon as officers approached his wrecked Cadillac on Interstate 70 near state Route 256, 10TV's Andy Hirsch reported.

Six officers opened fire, killing Bynum.

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"It's important to understand that they perceived a threat, and it's not taken lightly whenever we pull the triggers of our weapons," Weiner said. "There are many lives that are changed here, including the suspect's family. We feel for them. We never want to take a human life."

Police said the shooting was captured by cruiser dashboard cameras. The video is being reviewed but will not be released, Weiner said.

Once the investigation into the shooting is complete, the case will go to prosecutors in Fairfield County because that was where the shooting took place. They will decide whether or not charges will be filed, Hirsch reported.

The pursuit began Tuesday afternoon the city's east side where police were conducting surveillance on Bynum at the request of authorities in California.

Bynum, 35, was the suspected "High Desert Rapist," who investigators said was connected by DNA evidence to at least five rapes in Los Angeles County, 10TV News reported.

Police were following Bynum along I-70 when he crossed the median and struck a tanker truck traveling the other direction. Officers opened fire on Bynum as they approached his car.

On Thursday, a coroner ruled that Bynum died from several gunshot wounds to his head, trunk and extremities.

Police said they were looking into the possibility that Bynum was connected with sexual assaults in Columbus.

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Previous Stories:

July 9, 2009: Coroner: Suspected Rapist Died From Gunshot Wounds
July 9, 2009: L.A. Rape Suspect Investigated For Ohio Crimes
July 8, 2009: Driver: Suspected Rapist Showed No Fear Before Crash
July 7, 2009: Man Shot, Killed By Police Was L.A. Rape Suspect

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