Attempted murder suspect shot after firing at police in East Los Angeles

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An attempted murder suspect was shot by police after exchanging gunfire with officers near Garfield High School in East Los Angeles Wednesday.

The suspect was not identified, but authorities said the 34-year-old is a known gang member who was wanted for the attempted murder of an off-duty Marine in Monterey Park over the weekend.

The shooting occurred around 9:30 a.m. near Escuela Street and Woods Avenue. The suspect was taken to an area hospital, but details on the suspect's condition were not available. Officials say he is expected to survive.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who is helping Monterey Park police with the investigation, said officers spotted the suspect riding a bicycle in the morning.

When officers attempted to stop him, investigators said the suspect pulled out a weapon.

"When they tried to do that, this individual pulled out a handgun and started shooting at the officers in the black and white patrol car," said Lt. John Corina of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.

The police cruiser's windshield was riddled with bullets, but the officer inside did not return fire because he was concerned about the safety of civilians in the area, Corina said.

After firing at the patrol car, Corina said the suspect took off, and the officer followed.

"Then the suspect turned and shot at him again. At that time, the officer shot through his windshield at the suspect, and he also struck the suspect then with his vehicle, knocking him off the bike," Corina described.

A gun used by the suspect was recovered at the scene, investigators said.

The incident happened near the campus of Garfield High School, but there was no impact on normal school operations, according to the Los Angeles School Police Department.

People who said they're related to the suspect didn't want to talk on camera, but one relative did say the suspect is a gang member who often gets into trouble with the law.

If you have any information about this incident, you're urged to contact the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. You can also provide anonymous tips by contacting Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.