An LA County Sheriff's deputy was ambushed and shot in the back while waiting at a traffic light in West Covina, but he managed to survive the attempt on his life, thanks to his bulletproof vest, authorities said. The shooting unfolded Monday afternoon near the junction of Barranca Street and North Garvey Avenue, according to Hoodline. Deputy Samuel Aispuro, a nearly 20-year veteran of the force, was in full uniform and on an LASD-marked motorcycle when the suspect, identified by the District Attorney's office as Raymundo Duran, allegedly pulled up alongside him and fired, per officials.
The wounded deputy, who was struck in the back by a round that did not penetrate his vest, was described as being in stable condition after being rushed to Pomona Valley Hospital, while the alleged shooter Duran faces multiple charges including attempted murder of a peace officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with no prior interactions noted between the deputy and the suspect before the brazen daylight shooting that saw the gunman fleeing the scene and a later arrest by the California Highway Patrol after an alleged DUI in San Clemente.
District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the commitment to "vigorously prosecuting the offender to the fullest extent of the law," as he expressed in his announcement regarding the charges, underlining how the act serves as a "stark reminder" of the perils faced by law enforcement. In the hours following the shooting, the LA Sheriff's Department detained several persons of interest in Valinda, although they may not have been directly linked to the incident, as reported by Hoodline, and the suspect was ultimately apprehended later that day.
Throughout this ordeal, Sheriff Robert Luna voiced his relief over the deputy's survival and his resolve to hold accountable the individual who committed the deed, stating "The brazen actions of this career criminal have threatened public safety in our communities and underscores the urgent need to hold this coward fully accountable," as the sheriff's department and local officials, alongside the community, continue to rally around the deputy and his family in a show of solidarity and support, according to a statement obtained by Hoodline. The authorities are still soliciting the public's assistance for any further information on the case, encouraging witnesses to come forward and contact the LASD Homicide Bureau or submit tips anonymously through LA Crime Stoppers.
