Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — A suspect who shot and wounded a Los Angeles police officer during a running gunbattle was himself shot and died at the scene, authorities said Tuesday.
The officer was treated at a hospital for a minor gunshot wound and released, Officer Norma Eisenman said.
Officials said the suspect took off running while officers on patrol were dispersing a group of people hanging out late Monday in the Watts section of the city.
During a foot chase, the suspect pulled out a handgun and began firing at the pursuing officer, Eisenman said. Gunshots were exchanged as the chase continued, and one suspect and one officer were shot, she said.
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, died at the scene at the Nickerson Gardens public housing project.
The officer was visited at the hospital by Chief Charlie Beck, according to City News Service.
“I’m in awe of the courage displayed. Expected to make a full recovery and in good spirits,” Beck said.
Officials say a gun was recovered. The investigation was ongoing.
The shooting comes as officers around the country are on alert following the targeted killings of police this month in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Beck last week announced that he was taking extra precautions to better protect officers.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press