Santa Paula police officers in a marked patrol vehicle attempted to stop a pedestrian who crossed an intersection against traffic at about 11:45 p.m. Friday.
The officers pulled into a shopping center entrance to contact the suspect. The suspect then turned to face the officers with a handgun in his hand, according to police.
The suspect then reportedly fired an unknown number of rounds at the officers. The driving officer returned fire, striking the suspect in the hand. Neither officer was injured, but the vehicle was struck by a bullet.
The suspect then fled the scene. Police set up a perimeter to search for the suspect. With the assistance of Ventura Police Department, Ventura Sheriff's Department, California Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Sheriff's helicopter, the suspect was located hiding in an apartment unit entrance alcove.
The suspect was arrested. He was found to be on probation with active outstanding warrants for weapons violations. Police said the suspect is a documented gang member in Santa Paula.
The investigation was ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident was urged to call the Santa Paula Police Dept. at (805) 525-4474.
