Bell Gardens, Los Angeles – In the early morning hours of Thursday, a shocking incident unfolded at the intersection of Eastern and Florence Avenues, as a driver engaged in dangerous maneuvers, ramming into a sheriff’s deputy’s patrol vehicle multiple times. The deputy left with no other recourse, fired several shots, but it did not deter the relentless driver, who continued the assault. Eventually, the driver was wounded, and both he and the deputy were transported to a hospital for treatment.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. when the deputy observed a white SUV recklessly speeding and performing donuts in the intersection. The deputy decided to initiate a traffic stop, intending to address the hazardous behavior. However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspect intentionally crashed into the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
Disturbing cellphone footage captured by a bystander shows the suspect striking the deputy’s vehicle once and then reversing to strike it again. Astonishingly, the suspect repeated the action for a third time, prompting the deputy to discharge a single shot in an attempt to subdue the assailant. The outcome of the gunshot remains unclear.
Undeterred by the gunfire, the driver reversed once more and forcefully collided with the deputy’s vehicle, causing it to mount the sidewalk near a utility pole. Seizing the opportunity, the deputy fired multiple rounds as the suspect maneuvered in a circular motion in reverse. The exact sequence of events leading to the conclusion of the assault remains unclear.
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy shot a driver early Thursday after they rammed his police car several times. The driver was taken to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
Condition of the driver is unknown. pic.twitter.com/a8o4C36p0N— The Donut News Network 🍩 (@DonutNewsNetwrk) June 22, 2023
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was detained at the scene and immediately transferred to a local hospital for medical treatment. Reports suggest that he was undergoing surgery and listed in stable condition. Meanwhile, the injured deputy also required medical attention but has since been released.
The identities of both the deputy and the suspect have not been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. Local residents, witnesses, and officials expressed shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assured the public that it would conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the events leading up to the incident, including the actions of both the suspect and the deputy. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
