CHP Officer Hospitalized After Being Shot During Traffic Stop In West Covina
WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A 40-year-old California Highway Patrol officer was hospitalized in stable condition on Friday after being shot during a traffic stop in West Covina.
The incident unfolded just before 2 a.m., off of the westbound 10 Freeway at the Sunset Avenue off ramp, according to CHP officers.
An investigation revealed that a 30-year-old man in a Cadillac Escalade fired and struck a Baldwin Park CHP officer during a routine traffic stop in the area.
According to police, the CHP officer returned fire, hitting the suspect. The officer was transported by paramedics to USC Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound.
The suspect fled the scene in the SUV and officers with the West Covina Police Department joined CHP officers in pursuit of the suspect. Authorities apprehended the suspect with the help of a West Covina K-9 officer.
The pursuit ended a short while later at Arrow Boulevard and Citrus Avenue in Fontana after the suspect crashed his SUV. The suspect was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment of an apparent gunshot wound and dog bites.
Footage of the crime scene shows the back windows of the suspect's vehicle were shattered and an airbag was deployed. The SUV also appeared to have an Uber sticker in the front windshield. The company said it was also investigating the incident.
A large part of Sunset Avenue was closed on Friday as authorities conducted their investigation.
The identity of the officer was not released.
