LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The search continues this morning for a man considered armed and dangerous who was one of two suspects in an officer- involved shooting that left a Los Angeles police gang officer and the second suspect wounded, authorities said.
The officer, part of the Newton division gang enforcement unit, was said to be in stable condition following surgery and was with his family at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, Los Angeles police told NBC4.
The wounded suspect was also hospitalized, police said, and was reportedly in critical but stable condition.
A citywide tactical alert was issued, keeping all officers on shift, and a perimeter was set up in the vicinity of 52nd Street and Long Beach Avenue. Los Angeles police posted a warning on Twitter saying residents should avoid the area if possible and to expect a “large police presence” for several hours.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were also assisting with the search, and issued a similar warning on Twitter.
The search was in an area bounded by Vernon and Slauson avenues and Compton Avenue and Alameda Street, police said.
Metro officials issued an advisory about the suspension of Blue Line Services between Washington Boulevard and Florence Avenue while the police activity continued. A Metro Bus shuttle was set to supplement service during the suspension, but delays were expected.
The gang officer was patrolling in South Los Angeles when he made a traffic stop shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday in the area of 52nd Street and Long Beach Avenue, pulling over a vehicle with two occupants, Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Mehgan Aguilar said.
A foot chase ensued that led to the officer-involved shooting, Aguilar said.
Police recovered a firearm at the scene, she said.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore acknowledged the dangers of gang enforcement, and asked residents to keep the wounded officer in their prayers this Easter Sunday.
“Gang officers, who are given a tough and dangerous job, confronted every officer's worst fear -- gunfire,” Moore posted on Twitter early Sunday. “One of the officers was shot and rushed to a local area hospital where he's now in stable condition. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
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