Peace Officer

Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Shooting of West Covina Police Officer

A 47-year-old man suspected of shooting a West Covina police officer last month was charged with attempted murder, officials said Thursday.

Jose R. Chavez, is accused of shooting a West Covina officer multiple times near the intersection of North Yaleton Avenue and Badillo Street on May 20 as the officer was trying to detain him.

Chavez fled on foot and allegedly opened fire on the officer who suffered non-life threatening injuries. Chavez, who was also wounded by gunfire from the officer, was arrested almost a week after the incident.

Chavez was charged with one count each of attempted murder of a peace officer, assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.

If convicted, Chavez faces up to life in state prison.

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