2 Deputies Shot, Suspect Killed in East LA

EAST LOS ANGELES, CA —

A suspect was killed and two deputies were wounded during a shooting Wednesday at a park in East Los Angeles.

"We're very fortunate that they're in serious but stable condition," Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said outside LAC+USC Medical Center. "This could have ended up very differently tonight.

"Both are seasoned deputies with over 10 years on the job. I wouldn't want to go into the details of the injuries, other than they were shot in the upper body. They're in good hands tonight at this hospital."

Another suspect was wounded and taken to a hospital, where his condition was unknown. It was unclear if he was wounded in the shooting at the park.

A third suspect was also arrested, said Deputy Armando Viera Jr. of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.

Deputies earlier searched for a possible fourth suspect, but there is no suspect outstanding, according to Deputy Marvin Crowder.

The shooting occurred a little after 6:35 p.m. at Ruben F. Salazar Park located at 3864 Whittier Blvd.

The shooting followed a chase of a BMW, ABC7 reported.

McDonnell met with family members of the wounded deputies at LAC+USC Medical Center, according to Nicole Nishida, the public information officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

McDonnell also expressed his thanks to other members of law enforcement for their support.

"LAPD reached out right away to see if they could be helpful," McDonnell said. "The way the situation played out we're good at this point, but we certainly appreciate the thoughts and the prayers and the reach-out that we've gotten from so many."

Sheriff's homicide detectives asked anyone with any information regarding the incident to call them at (323) 890-5500.

City News Service; Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department