Los Angeles: On December 13, 2003, at about 11:15 p.m., Southeast Area Gang Enforcement Team (GET) uniformed Police Officers Tim Colson, 8 years 2 months with the Department, and Jose Zamudio, 6 years 10 months with the Department, responded to the 10600 block of South Wilmington Avenue to assist other GET officers who were conducting a "man with a gun" investigation. As a result of that investigation, Martin Ramos, a documented street gang member was arrested for possession of a firearm.

On December 14, 2003, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Officers Colson and Zamudio were traveling north on the 10600 block of Wilmington Avenue. They observed two male Hispanics, one later identified as Javier Vieyra, 19 years of age and an unidentified male Hispanic standing on the east sidewalk of Wilmington Avenue adjacent to a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo parked at the east curb of Wilmington Avenue. When the officers were parallel to the Monte Carlo, the unidentified male Hispanic fired one to two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun at the officers. Officer Colson immediately stopped the vehicle, exited the driver’s door and drew his 9-millimeter service pistol. During this time, the unidentified male Hispanic fired two additional rounds at the officers. Officer Colson in defense of his life, returned fire from his service pistol. The unidentified suspect fled south and was pursued by Officer Colson. When the unidentified suspect neared the intersection of 107^th Street and Wilmington Avenue, the suspect stopped and again pointed the shotgun at Officer Colson. Officer Colson in fear of his life fired his pistol at the suspect. The suspect then fled east through a vacant lot out of Officer Colson’s view.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and treated Vieyra for multiple gunshot wounds to the head, upper torso and leg. Vieyra was transported to Martin Luther King/Drew Medical Center and absentee booked for 664/187 P.C.(Attempt Murder on a Police Officer). His condition is listed as critical.

Officers Colson and Zamudio were transported to a local hospital and treated for gunshot wounds. Officer Colson was treated and released for minor pellet wounds to his face and right hand. Officer Zamudio was treated and admitted for pellet gunshot wounds to his right knee, right leg, left calf and left eyebrow. Officer Zamudio is listed in stable condition.

A loaded .38 caliber revolver was recovered underneath Vieyra when he was taken into custody. A 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun was recovered from the east curb of Wilmington Avenue just south of the shooting incident

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Robbery-Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-2129. On weekend and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer April Harding, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.