– A deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department narrowly escaped serious injury when his bulletproof vest stopped a bullet fired into his back while he was on duty in West Covina on Monday afternoon.
– The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of N. Barranca Avenue and E. Garvey Avenue South.
– Deputy Samuel Aispuro, a veteran of nearly 20 years with the department, was on his marked LA County Sheriff’s motorcycle when the shooting took place.
– Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the critical role of the vest in saving Aispuro’s life during a press briefing.
– Aispuro, who was hit once in the back, received medical attention at a nearby hospital and is now in stable condition.
– The suspect responsible for the shooting is currently being sought by law enforcement.
– Luna urged anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward, describing the shooter as a public safety threat.
– Witnesses reported a possible additional vehicle involved, described as a white sedan with tinted windows, heading westbound on I-10 from Barranca Street.
– Law enforcement closed the intersection for investigation, with no specified reopening time.
– Following the shooting, deputies conducted searches in a La Puente neighborhood, detaining several individuals who were later released after not being linked to the incident.
– Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed relief that the deputy’s injuries were not worse and praised law enforcement for their commitment to community safety.
– Deputy Aispuro, who is married with two young children, is being supported by the sheriff’s department during this time.
