Los Angeles, CA – Three Los Angeles police officers were shot while trying to apprehend a wanted parolee on Wednesday night.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Assistant Chief Al Labrada said the series of events leading up to the shooting began at approximately 3:50 p.m. on March 8, when police were called to assist with a search for an at-large parolee in the 3800-block of Broadway, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Officers located the suspect barricaded inside a shed, according to KABC.
“During the subsequent investigation, officers came across the individual who refused to comply to the commands and a request for K9 officers was requested from the Metropolitan division,” Assistant Chief Labrada said.
Police later deployed a chemical agent in an attempt to drive the suspect out, KABC reported.
“Unfortunately, that suspect responded to that chemical agent by opening the shed and opening fire on the officers,” LAPD Commander Stacy Spell told reporters.
Three officers were shot.
Law enforcement sources said that one of the officers was shot at least four times in the attack, including his right knee and his left elbow, KABC reported.
The three wounded heroes are all members of the LAPD Metropolitan Division K9 Unit, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Law enforcement sources said they were pulled from the line of fire by fellow officers before they were rushed to LA County-USC Medical Center by ambulance, according to the paper.
Law enforcement officers swarmed the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in the wake of the shooting and barricaded off streets, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A helicopter sent out broadcasts to residents telling them to lock their doors and to remain inside.
Drones and other helicopters monitored the situation from above.
Armored vehicles and a special weapons and tactics team arrived at the scene just before 8 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Times.
Assistant Chief Labrada confirmed an unknown number of officers fired at the fugitive during the incident, but it is unclear when that occurred, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Several hours after the officers were shot, investigators said that the suspect had been found “unresponsive” and was subsequently pronounced dead, according to KABC.
His identity has not been released.
Law enforcement sources said the gunman had a lengthy criminal history, to include being charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and battery on a police officer, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The three officers who were shot in the attack were all listed in stable condition at the hospital with their families on Wednesday night, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said.
“I’m relieved and grateful that these three brave officers are in stable condition and [I was able] to have a conversation with two of them when I checked in on them,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said during the press conference, according to KABC. “I deeply appreciate their service and let them know that their city stands with them and I very much look forward to their recovery.”
“My heart goes out to the officers’ families, who tonight, got the phone call or the knock on the door that they dread every day,” Bass added.
Assistant Chief Labrada said the LAPD is grateful for the calls they have received from community members and those who support the local community, KABC reported.
“The tragedy of the dangers some of these officers face is what we face today and we’re hopeful this tragedy will not continue to repeat itself,” he said.
The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division is handling the ongoing investigation into the attack on the officers, while the agency’s Force Investigation Division will investigate the shooting by police, the Los Angeles Times reported.
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Original Article: https://policetribune.com/breaking-3-los-angeles-police-officers-shot-by-barricaded-fugitive/