A Los Angeles Police Department officer on his way to work was shot early Thursday near a police station in the South Los Angeles area by a 14-year-old, according to the department.
The shooting happened at 34th Street and Central Avenue as the officer arrived for work in his vehicle, police said. The location is near the LAPD's Newton Division Police Station.
The officer, who was transported to a hospital, was conscious and breathing, police said. He suffered a graze wound to the head, police said.
Too many guns in too many hands.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore
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Police said the officer was driving his pickup to work when he heard window glass shatter and felt a sharp pain on the back of his head. The 20-year department veteran then drove to the Newton Division Station and ran across the street to a fire station for treatment.
"Grateful our officer will survive this unprovoked attack," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a tweet. "Just spoke with him by phone. Our Robbery Homicide detectives have investigation and I’m confident they will identify the individual(s) responsible. Too many guns in too many hands."
Details about a motive for the shooting were not immediately available. There is no indication that the officer, who works with the juvenile unit at the station, was targeted, police said.
The 14-year-old was taken into custody in connection with the shooting near 29th Street and Naomi Avenue, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, officials said.
Further details about the teen's identity were not immediately available.
Streets in the area are closed for the investigation. Aerial video showed officers with flashlights searching on streets and sidewalks before dawn.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said there’s no place in our city for anyone who attacks the police, and he had this message for the officer: “I just left messages on his and his wife’s cellphones to say take all the time you need and the city is here to wrap our arms of love around you - and thank him for his bravery.”
