Man Who Allegedly Started Brush Fire, Critically Injured After Officer Involved Shooting
Photo: 4100 Morada Avenue
A man is in critical condition after allegedly starting a brush fire, failing to comply with police officers, and being shot during an officer involved shooting in Covina.
On September 19, 2019, L.A. County firefighters responded to the scene of the brush fire, located in a vacant lot, and called in police backup when they noticed a man who may have been responsible for the blaze.
Police arrived arrived about about 9:30 PM and noticed that the suspect, a Hispanic male in his early 40s, was near the brush fire and armed with a shotgun. In an attempt to evade police capture, the suspect ran toward the 4100 block of Morada Avenue and turned north, made his way through several yards, and occasionally fired at police officers.
Police set up a perimeter to keep the man from going any farther. The containment lasted until about 12:40 AM, when police located the suspect in a backyard and tried to detain him. When he failed to surrender, an officer involved shooting occurred as a result. “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,” according to the release.
A shotgun was recovered at the scene of the incident. Homicide Detectives continue to search for further evidence, witnesses, and surveillance video to help with the investigation.
