Two Los Angeles Police Department officers were injured and a suspect is on the run during a shootout on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (OnScene.TV)
Los Angeles Police have arrested a man who allegedly opened fire on officers during a traffic stop.
According to a news release, the first shooting occurred around 9 p.m. on July 3, when officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast District conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet sedan on the corner of Broadway and Rosecrans Avenue in South Los Angeles.
“The suspect’s vehicle accelerated and attempted to drive away, but suddenly came to a halt on Broadway north of Rosecrans Street,” the LAPD said in a statement. “Before the officers were able to exit the police vehicle, the suspect, armed with a fully automatic weapon, opened fire at the officers without warning.”
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The officer-involved shooting occurred after one of the responding officers quickly returned fire, the LAPD added. Authorities identified the officer as Southeast Precinct Officer Joshua Rodney.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the suspect’s bullets struck the windshield of the patrol car, causing cuts and scratches on two officers, one of whom was grazed twice in the head.
Both were hospitalized and released the next day.
A Los Angeles Police Department patrol car is damaged after an officer-involved shooting in South Los Angeles on July 3, 2024. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Shortly after the July 3 shooting, the suspect fled the scene and officers attempted to pursue the suspect’s vehicle for approximately 200 yards before eventually losing sight of the vehicle near 135th Street and Broadway.
Investigators quickly searched the scene for clues, finding numerous rifle shell casings and other evidence, and ultimately identifying the suspect as Malcolm Gass Jr.
“During the investigation, police located and seized a Chevrolet sedan. [and] “A firearm appears to have been involved in this incident,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.
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Gus Jr., 31, was arrested Friday and is being held in police custody on $2 million bail.
It was not immediately clear when he was scheduled to appear in court.
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit.