Los Angeles: On Friday, February 22, 2002, at approximately 8:15 a.m., two on-duty undercover officers in unmarked vehicles were in the Hollywood Area. One of the officers heard gunshots and observed a male Hispanic suspect, in his 20's, sitting in the driver's seat of a mid-90's black Honda Civic. The suspect was pointing a revolver at a male who was fleeing on foot. The suspect drove rapidly away from the location. The officer notified his partner who, at the time, was not in visual contact with him or the suspect.

The officer followed the suspect over a circuitous route through Hollywood streets, broadcasting the route to his partner. The suspect stopped his vehicle at the southwest corner of Melrose Avenue and Orange Drive. The officer stopped behind the suspect and observed the suspect point a handgun at him and fire multiple rounds. The officer drew his service pistol and returned fire. The suspect drove rapidly from the location. The officer followed the suspect but lost him in traffic in the vicinity of Rosewood Avenue and La Brea Avenue. Responding patrol units searched the area for the suspect with negative results.

The officer was not injured as a result of this incident.

Above information was received from Lieutenant Rick Papke, Officer in Charge, Critical Incident Investigation Division.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.