Police responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon in progress on the 7100 block of Yolanda Avenue in Reseda around 9:30 a.m., according to LAPD Commander Andrew Smith. When officers arrived, they found a male victim who had been shot once in the arm and once in the leg.
Officers were directed by citizens to the suspect fleeing on foot. They confronted the suspect, identified only as a 49-year-old male, who turned and fired multiple rounds at the police officers in their vehicle, Smith said. One officer, a seven-year LAPD veteran, sustained an injury to his right arm, however it was unclear if the injury was caused by a bullet, a bullet fragment or a fragment from the vehicle.
The suspect was taken into custody. Smith said a semi-automatic handgun was recovered.
The officer was transported to Northridge Hospital Medical Center in good condition. He has since been released. The victim was also transported to the hospital, where he is recovering from his gunshot wounds.
It was unclear what led to the initial shooting or what relationship the men had.
Jose Quinonez, a witness, said he heard the shots, called 911, and then rushed to help the victim. Quinonez said he saw the shooter walk by with a gun in his hand and a pit bull by his side.
Several schools in the area, including Reseda Elementary, were locked down and some streets were closed during the investigation.
