Two Los Angeles Deputies Shot; In Critical Condition

Two Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputies shot were conducting a DUI checkpoint Thursday night. An unknown suspect is still outstanding. The man was driving suspiciously when a motor Deputy attempted to stop him. The suspect then opened fire. Traffic stops are dangerous, right up there with domestic violence calls, you never know what mental state the person you are about to deal with is in. Please keep these heroes in your thoughts and prayers. We will update you when we know more.

ABC 7 reports:

Authorities are searching for a suspect within a four-block perimeter in Bellflower Friday after he allegedly opened fire and struck two deputies while fleeing a DUI checkpoint the night before.

The sheriff’s department stated the shooting happened near Lakewood Boulevard and Oak Street at about 10:50 p.m. Thursday.

The male suspect remained at large, authorities said said. A four-block perimeter was set up near Lakewood Boulevard and Chester Street for the search.

During an early Friday morning press conference, authorities said deputies were conducting a DUI checkpoint in the area when a suspect began driving erratically in an attempt to flee from the checkpoint.

A motorcycle deputy attempted to stop the suspect who then exited the vehicle and began shooting. The motorcycle deputy fired back and was hit during the firefight. The suspect then got back in his car and fled the scene, authorities said.

Deputies went after the suspect and ended up in a residential cul-de-sac where a second shooting occurred. Another deputy was struck by gunfire and the suspect fled again. Sheriff Jim McDonnell said at some point third shooting occurred as another deputy tried to stop the suspect.

It was unknown if the suspect was hit during that gunfight, McDonnell said, but no deputies were struck.

The two deputies were rushed to the hospital and are in critical but stable condition. They were both in surgery early Friday morning, McDonnell said.