LAPD Officer Undergoes Successful Hand Surgery After South LA Shooting
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — An LAPD officer who was shot multiple times Thursday afternoon during a pedestrian stop underwent surgery on his hand Friday morning.
Two officers stopped to question two men near 70th Street and Western Avenue when the suspects opened fire on them, according to officials.
"One of the suspects, for an unknown reason, pulled out a handgun and fired at our officer," Commander Andrew Smith said.
One officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, torso and arm, police said. The seven-year LAPD veteran was taken to California Hospital, where he is in stable condition. His name has not been released.
"He's in great spirits," Sgt. Mitzi Fierr said.
Surgeons at California Hospital said the operation preformed Friday morning was successful and that they expect the officer will fully recover from his hand injury.
"He's got some bruising. He's got a . . . gunshot wound to his wrist and his arm. He just, looks good, you know. We were very fortunate that it wasn't far more tragic," Fierr said.
The newly married officer was shot while wearing a bulletproof vest, which LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said likely saved his life.
Police are still looking for the two suspects, who fled the scene after the shooting. One person, who has not been arrested, was being interviewed by police. If was unknown what role, if any, they played in the shooting.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said attacks on LAPD officers have been on the rise.
"For the year, we're up substantially – 29 percent – in the number of instances that our police officers have been shot at, so this is a great cause for concern," Villaraigosa said.
Beck added, "In the past seven days, this is the third time that people have tried to murder uniformed Los Angeles police officers."
