The incident occurred at a parking lot of a Burger King in the 12000 block of Palmdale Road around 8:45 p.m. Monday. Authorities say a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officer was in his car on his cellphone when a juvenile suspect approached the vehicle and brandished what appeared to be a handgun with the intent of robbing him.
The officer feared for his life and fired several times from his firearm, which he had lawfully.
The suspect dropped his weapon and ran into the desert. His gun turned out to be a black BB gun, which resembled a semi-automatic firearm, said investigators. The corrections officer was not hurt.
When deputies searched the desert behind the fast-food restaurant, they found the suspect with three additional suspects. The juvenile suspect who tried to rob the officer had suffered gunshot wounds and was flown to an area hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive his injuries.
The remaining suspects were interviewed and arrested for conspiracy to commit robbery. In total, three juveniles, ages 15, 16, and 16, and one adult, identified as 18-year-old Khaleo Jones, were involved in the incident.
If you have any information about this investigation, you're urged to call Detective Edward DeLaTorre or Sgt. Chris Fisher at (909) 387-3589. You can also call the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME.
