The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has started a fund in response to an outpouring of public support for a deputy shot in the face earlier this week.
Deputy Mohamed Ahmed, 27, and his training officer were on patrol Tuesday night near Floral Drive and North Brannick Avenue when they apparently saw a driver parked in a red zone.
The training officer recognized the driver as Nestor Torres, a 37-year-old parolee, and as the deputies got out of their cruiser Torres got out of his car and fired at Ahmed, striking him in the face, authorities said.
As the training officer tried to wrestle the gun away from Torres the training officer fired at least two shots, killing Torres.
The Somali-born Ahmed is the sole financial provider for his family since the death of his father. Though he underwent surgery Wednesday, Sheriff's officials said he is expected to undergo several more reconstructive surgeries in an effort to avoid losing one eye.
Sheriff Lee Baca has noted Ahmed's role in his family as provider is one that should be protected. Public outcry over the shooting prompted many members of the community to come forward with donations and the Sheriff's Department has now set up a fund so members of the public who would like to help can do so.
"Deputy Mohamed Ahmed, his family, and the entire Sheriff's Department family sincerely appreciate all the supportive comments and well wishes for the recovery of Deputy Ahmed," said Capt. Henry Romero of the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station, which set up the fund.
Donations should be made to Fellowship of East Los Angeles Sheriff Station (FELASS), Fund # 0111 and mailed to: East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station, 5019 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90022.
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