August 6th, 2021 - La Habra, California

Published August 6th, 2021

A La Habra, California police officer was shot Friday evening. At approximately 7:10 p.m. La Habra officers were called to respond to a report by a female of a man who was driving aggressively, tailgating her, and following her with every turn she made. Police advised her to go to a nearby police station. The man followed her to the police station, then attempted to enter the police station, but the lobby entrance was locked. Officers arrived and began speaking with the man. As one of the officers took a few steps back, the man turned and produced a handgun, firing at the officer and striking him in the chest. Officers returned fire, and the suspect fell to ground.

Medical aid was summoned and administered to the suspect shot by police and the officer struck in the chest in his ballistic-resistant vest. The suspect, who was shot in the head and torso, was declared deceased at the scene. The officer was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released. A subsequent investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office determined the officer’s actions were justified, and that the suspect had amphetamine, marijuana, and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the incident.