Azusa police officers ambushed
AZUSA -- A man was behind bars Saturday on suspicion of ambushing two police officers with a handgun, authorities said.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 19, of Azusa was booked on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident, Azusa police said in a written.
The shooting occurred just before 11 p.m. in the 600 block of N. Rockvale Avenue, police said.
The officers were not struck by the volley, but their car was, Azusa police Lt. Mike Bertelsen said.
Additionally, a stray bullet passed through the window of a nearby home where a woman and child were sleeping, he said.
"We're pretty fortunate that no officers or civilians were injured," Bertelsen said.
In response to increasing violence among area taggers, the officers were conducting a tagger and gang member enforcement operation in an unmarked police car, officials said.
The officers spotted a car driving erratically that was known to belong to a local tagger, Bertelsen said.
As they waited for backup to arrive before stopping the car, a shooter on foot opened fire on their car, police said.
Police set up a search perimeter and found Gonzalez hiding in the carport of a nearby apartment complex, Bertelsen said.
The lieutenant declined to say whether the suspect was a member of a tagging crew, or whether a weapon was recovered.
According to booking records, Gonzalez is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and is due for arraignment in West Covina Superior Court Tuesday.
Police believe additional suspects may have been involved and asked anyone with information to call the Azusa Police Department.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 19, of Azusa was booked on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident, Azusa police said in a written.
The shooting occurred just before 11 p.m. in the 600 block of N. Rockvale Avenue, police said.
The officers were not struck by the volley, but their car was, Azusa police Lt. Mike Bertelsen said.
Additionally, a stray bullet passed through the window of a nearby home where a woman and child were sleeping, he said.
"We're pretty fortunate that no officers or civilians were injured," Bertelsen said.
In response to increasing violence among area taggers, the officers were conducting a tagger and gang member enforcement operation in an unmarked police car, officials said.
The officers spotted a car driving erratically that was known to belong to a local tagger, Bertelsen said.
As they waited for backup to arrive before stopping the car, a shooter on foot opened fire on their car, police said.
Police set up a search perimeter and found Gonzalez hiding in the carport of a nearby apartment complex, Bertelsen said.
The lieutenant declined to say whether the suspect was a member of a tagging crew, or whether a weapon was recovered.
According to booking records, Gonzalez is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and is due for arraignment in West Covina Superior Court Tuesday.
Police believe additional suspects may have been involved and asked anyone with information to call the Azusa Police Department.
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CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
Wonder why suspect was hiding begging "Don't hurt me" and not standing up like a man and finish what he started (alledgely) or didn't the Police have their backs turned.
Like to see pee-wees rap sheet.
Check out LASO Temple incident; S.O. ain't got no sense of humor.
Another POS is off the streets! Good job Azusa P.D.!
women and children leave the area time to set off the nukes
HE WAS NOT FOUND IN A CARPORT HE WAS WALKING AND WALK UP TO THE POLICE GET UR STORY STRAIGHT.