Suspects escape after police pursuit in Compton
COMPTON – Two California Highway Patrol officers were involved in a shooting with multiple suspects during a traffic stop in the Compton area, and authorities are searching for the suspects Tuesday.
The incident began about 11:20 p.m. Monday, when officers saw a white Kia Optima that was speeding east on Alondra Boulevard near Main Street, according to the CHP.
The officers stopped the Kia near Alondra Boulevard and Maple Avenue, and during the traffic stop, the Kia allegedly accelerated toward the officers, the CHP reported.
"While the suspect was accelerating the Kia towards the officers, one of the officers fell on his back, causing (an) officer-involved shooting," a CHP officer told reporters. "Both officers fired their weapons multiple times at the Kia, and then the Kia fled eastbound on Alondra Boulevard from Maple Avenue.
"The officers were able to return to the patrol vehicle, and a short pursuit ensued," the officer said. "However, they lost the suspect vehicle at or around Alondra and Wilmington Avenue."
About 11:45 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies found the abandoned Kia on Cypress Avenue west of Aprilla Avenue with several bullet holes in its windshield, according to the CHP and KABC.
Avalon Boulevard was closed in both directions during the investigation and search, Fox 11 reported. No officers were injured.