Los Angeles - - During the early morning hours of March 24, 2003, 29 year-old Jorge Eufemia fired shots at two Los Angeles Police Department officers as they responded to investigate a "Shots Fired" radio call in the 7000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.

On Monday, March 24, 2003 at approximately 3:35 A.M., Los Angeles Police Department Officers Pedro Cabunoc (25 years old, 3 ½ years with the Department) and Scott Moffitt (25 years old, two years with the Department), both assigned to Van Nuys Patrol Division, responded to an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Shots Fired" radio call at an apartment complex in the 7000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. The suspect, armed with a handgun, went to two separate apartments at the location in search of his wife. While at one of the locations, the suspect shot and wounded two males. The officers responded to the location and encountered the suspect. They observed a handgun in the suspect’s hand. The preliminary investigation revealed that, while in the apartment complex, the suspect apparently pointed his gun and fired rounds at Officer Moffitt. Both officers, in fear for Moffitt’s safety, fired rounds at the suspect using their Department issued pistols. Eufemia then pointed his handgun at Officer Cabunoc, who in fear for his life, fired at the suspect. The suspect then ran away out of the officers’ view. The officers broadcasted a call for help and a perimeter was established by responding officers.

Officer Moffitt, who had re-deployed to the northeast corner of Vose Street and Sepulveda Boulevard, observed the suspect on the roof of an adjacent apartment complex, brandishing his handgun. The suspect pointed his handgun at Officer Moffitt. Officer Moffitt, in fear for his life, fired at the suspect from his location on the northeast corner of Vose Street and Sepulveda Boulevard. The suspect then disappeared from Moffitt’s view. An Air Support Unit responded to the help call and observed the suspect on the rooftop, apparently hurt. Los Angeles Police Department Canine Units responded to the location. They gained access to the rooftop where they located the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the facial area. At this time it is unsure whether this wound to the suspect was self inflicted or occurred as a result of the officers’ returning fire on the suspect. Los Angeles City Paramedics transported the suspect to a local hospital where he was treated. He was listed in critical condition. His injury appears to be non-life threatening.

The two males who were shot by the suspect were transported to and treated at a local hospital. Their injuries were non-life threatening. The gun used by the suspect, a .380 semi-automatic pistol, was recovered at the scene. The suspect, 29 year-old Jorge Eufemia, a parolee, was booked for Attempt Murder on a Police Officer. No officers were injured during this incident. Robbery Homicide and Critical Incident Investigation Divisions are conducting the investigation into this matter.

This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace E. Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section, 213-485.3586.