They are wanted for shooting a sheriff's deputy and for several carjackings. The L.A. County Sheriff's deputy was shot in South El Monte Sunday.
Investigators say 24-year-old Darnell Washington escaped from a San Bernardino County jail last Tuesday with help from his wife, 25-year-old Tania Washington.
Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, a sheriff's deputy spotted them in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven store on Peck Road in South El Monte. They had just pulled up in an SUV that was reported stolen.
"At that time, the suspect came from the rear of the vehicle. That's when a deputy-involved shooting occurred," said Sheriff's Sgt. Pauline Panis. "Both exchanged gunfire."
The deputy was struck by shotgun fire. According to Capt. Mike Parker, the deputy's injury was not considered to be life-threatening.
An eyewitness said Washington and his wife ran out to the street, and that the suspect with the shotgun pointed it at oncoming traffic on Peck Road. Two cars stopped.
Investigators say the suspects fled and later carjacked a light-blue 1996 Plymouth Voyager minivan with California license plate 3PHK484.
Darnell Washington was in jail for robbery and receiving stolen property. He is due in court September 14.
He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has a tattoo on his forearm of a cross with the words "By Any Means."
Tania Washington stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds.
Anyone with information about the couple should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (323) 890-5500.
