By Thomas Watkins
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Police sealed off dozens of blocks across a South Los Angeles neighborhood Thursday as they searched for two men suspected of shooting a police officer.
The officer and his partner were in a patrol car and had pulled over to question two men - one on a bike, the other on foot.
They had barely gotten out of their car when at least one of the men opened fire, said Cmdr. Andy Smith. More than a dozen shots were fired, police said.
One officer was struck multiple times in the chest, wrist and hand, police said. He was taken to a hospital in serious condition but has since been upgraded to stable.
Chief Charlie Beck said the officer’s bulletproof vest likely saved his life.
A third man was treated for injuries after the shooting and detained for questioning, but it wasn’t clear whether he was a suspect or a bystander, Smith said.
The area where the shooting occurred is lined with tidy stucco, Spanish-style bungalows, many behind iron fences, with neatly kept lawns. Residents returning home from work were backed up for blocks in a cordoned off area as police searched for the suspects.
“Over here it’s really peaceful. I don’t ever hear any noises or gang violence or anything. This is a shock to me,” said Alexis Jones, 19, who was standing outside her family home.
Copyright 2011 Associated Press