Los Angeles – On Sunday, April 21, 2002, at approximately 5:30 p.m., an off-duty, 27 year-old LAPD Traffic Division officer was enroute in his personal vehicle to report to his regular divisional assignment watch.

Driving north on the 110 freeway in the vicinity of the Manchester Avenue exit, the officer observed a gold, four door Mercedes with tinted windows, begin tailgating his vehicle. The suspect’s car accelerated around the passenger side of the officer’s car and the officer then noted that there were four male blacks inside the vehicle. The driver of the car then pointed a handgun at the officer and fired multiple rounds.

Returning fire, the officer was wounded in both legs, and exited the freeway to call for assistance. The unidentified suspects fled north on the 110 freeway.

Transported to a local hospital, the officer was listed in stable condition.

The investigation into this incident is on going and is being conducted by investigators assigned to the Department’s Robbery Homicide Division and Critical Incident Investigation Division. Anyone with information should call 213-485-2531 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.