A Los Angeles police officer was wounded and a suspect was shot Tuesday afternoon following a vehicle pursuit and foot chase that ended in an exchange of gunfire in East Los Angeles. The incident began around 1:47 p.m.
when officers from the LAPD's Newton Division spotted a gray pickup truck with a temporary paper license plate parked near Washington Boulevard and Alameda Street. Officers also observed a pedestrian standing in the roadway next to the driver's side of the vehicle.
As they approached to investigate, they saw the driver holding a handgun. When officers attempted to detain him, the driver fled in the pickup truck at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit that continued into the Hollenbeck area before ending when the vehicle crashed into a fence.
The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. During the ensuing chase, the suspect produced a handgun and fired at pursuing officers.
At least one officer returned fire, resulting in an officer-involved shooting. One officer was struck in the chest by gunfire, but the bullet did not penetrate his ballistic vest, and he suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released. The suspect was struck by gunfire, fell to the ground, and dropped the handgun.
Officers took the suspect into custody, recovered the firearm, and requested medical assistance. Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the suspect to a local hospital, where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators later determined the suspect had been driving a vehicle reported stolen. The firearm recovered at the scene was booked into evidence.