The search continued Monday for a man suspected of shooting and wounding a police officer in West Covina.
Jose Chavez, 47, is accused of shooting an officer Friday night near the intersection of North Yaleton Avenue and Badillo Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest when he was shot in the lower torso. He was released from a hospital on Sunday and was back home resting, police said.
Authorities said the officer was out on patrol when he approached a Chavez, who was riding a bicycle. Chavez allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several rounds as the officer tried to detain him. Investigators said Chavez may have been wounded, as they followed a trail of blood a block south of the shooting.
"We believe the suspect is suffering from a gunshot wound based on the blood recovered at the scene," Lt. Joe Mendoza said.
A SWAT team conducted a search connected to the shooting at a home on Vineland Avenue in Baldwin Park Sunday, however, no arrests were made, LASD said.
The Sheriff's Department also said Chavez had an extensive criminal record, but did not provide specifics. He is considered armed and dangerous, deputies said.
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Chavez's family pleaded with the suspect, asking him to turn himself in.
His neighbor spoke to NBC4 Monday, revealing that he took Chavez to court in West Covina the week before the shooting.
Chavez was supposed to be sentenced on a drug charge, his neighbor Mario Jacques said.
LA County Court records indicate Chavez was on probation for an assault and battery case from last September, but when he violated the law, his probation was revoked.
The sentencing hearing Jacques drove him to was where he could have been given time behind bars, but it was postponed and rescheduled for June.
"The court system let a drug addict back out on the street. I am not saying it's their fault that the policeman got shot but you know you put two and two together," Jacques said.
Detectives said the injured officer is a decorated Marine with four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jacques said he has not been in contact with Chavez.
"It's not going to end well if you stay out there. They are after you, Louie," Jacques said, pleading for his neighbor to turn himself in.
Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact sheriff's homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.
