Suspect Shot Fleeing Covina Brush Fire: Cops

ARCADIA, CA —An armed alleged arsonist was wounded Friday morning in an officer- involved shooting in Covina. Officers arrived at the 4000 block of North Morada Avenue, west of Vincent Avenue, where a brush fire was burning, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Covina police officers arrived to find the male suspect within close proximity of a brush fire. He was armed with a shotgun, a sheriff's statement said.

"The suspect then fled towards the 4100 block of Morada Avenue and proceeded north through several yards in an attempt to avoid being apprehended," according to the statement.

Authorities found the man in a backyard and tried to arrest him, according to the sheriff's department.

"The suspect failed to comply with commands and an officer-involved shooting occurred," the statement said. "The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the upper torso and was transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in serious condition."

The suspect's name was not immediately released. Media reports said the suspect had used a shotgun to open fire on responding Los Angeles County firefighters before running off, but no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

City News Service