Suspect arrested on suspicion of shooting 2 LASD deputies in Bellflower

BELLFLOWER, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities arrested a suspect Friday after he allegedly opened fire and struck two deputies while fleeing a DUI checkpoint the night before.

The sheriff's department stated the shooting happened near Lakewood Boulevard and Oak Street at about 10:50 p.m. Thursday.

During an early Friday morning press conference, authorities said deputies were conducting a DUI checkpoint in the area when a suspect began driving erratically in an attempt to flee from the checkpoint.

A motorcycle deputy attempted to stop the suspect who then exited the vehicle and began shooting. The motorcycle deputy fired back and was hit during the firefight. The suspect then got back in his car and fled the scene, authorities said.

Deputies went after the suspect and ended up in a residential cul-de-sac where a second shooting occurred. Another deputy was struck by gunfire, and the suspect fled again. Sheriff Jim McDonnell said at some point, a third shooting occurred as another deputy tried to stop the suspect.

It was unknown if the suspect was hit during that gunfight, McDonnell said, but no deputies were struck.

Authorities set up a four-block perimeter near Lakewood Boulevard and Chester Street to search for the suspect after he had fled. Hours later, he was found inside a residence, law enforcement confirmed just after 7 a.m.

"During that process, there was a lengthy effort to request that the suspect exit the location - verbal commands, that sort of thing," LASD Capt. Stephen Katz said.

The two deputies were rushed to the hospital and are in critical but stable condition. They were both in surgery early Friday morning, McDonnell said.

Authorities said the suspect was also wounded and is expected to survive.

More than 40 patrol cars could be spotted responding to the scene as AIR7 HD flew overhead Thursday.