Alleged Burglar Wounded by Police Gunfire ID'd

A 19-year-old burglary suspect who was shot and wounded by a police officer over the weekend when he allegedly swung at the man in uniform with a 2-by-4 board was identified Thursday by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a burglary call at the 99 Cent Only store at 10911 Victory Blvd. where they encountered Nathan Melara at the rear of the business and attempted to detain him, according to a press release.

Melara allegedly picked up a piece of wood and started approaching the officers, who told him to drop it, the release read.

He refused and reportedly swung at Officer David Nguyen, who in returned opened fire, wounding the suspect, according to the statement.

Melara dropped the board and tried jumping a chain link fence, but officers overcame the suspect and took him into custody.

During the arrest, Melara allegedly used his fist to strike one of the officers in the head, resulting in a minor injury, the press release states.

He was hospitalized and is listed in stable condition. Melara was booked on suspicion of burglary and assault with a deadly weapon.

His bail is set at $245,000.

The officer-involved shooting will be investigated by the chief of police, the Office of the Inspector General, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.