The shooting took place at Estara Avenue and Drew Street in northeast Los Angeles. Investigators say that the man carrying the baby was shot at least 15 times by a group of suspects driving a car.
The victim was hospitalized and is in critical condition. The child was taken to County USC Medical Center and is being treated for unrelated injuries.
A second shooting occurred moments later and police immediately responded. Officers in an unmarked car were close by and when they saw the suspects vehicle they pulled up behind it.
"What we do know is that three suspects exited that car and all three had firearms. At least two of them fired at the officers, possibly three fired at the officers. The officers fired back, striking two of the suspects. One expired at the scene, one was wounded and transported to the hospital. Another one we are told fled on foot and we believe the driver fled in his vehicle," said LAPD Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz.
Authorities believe they have apprehended the third suspect who fled the scene on foot. SWAT officers released a K-9 unit that found a suspect in a back alley of the Glassell Park neighborhood. Police apprehended that man, and they believe he is the third suspect they were seeking. They are questioning the suspect to see what involvement he may have had in the shooting.
The SWAT team was called in to assist with the investigation and pursuit of the suspect.
According to officials this is the first time the SWAT team has been on an active call since Officer Randal Simmons was shot and killed in a recent standoff.
"We're doing this for a very distinct purpose. We believe these individuals are the individuals that have been shooting up this area. They've been holding the residents of this area hostage in engaging in active terrorism when you look at the activities they encountered today on the streets of Los Angeles," said Asst. Chief Jim McDonnell, LAPD.
