Felony charges were filed Wednesday against a 31-year-old man accused of initiating a shootout in which a Long Beach police officer was struck by gunfire from a fellow officer.
Eric Arroyo of Long Beach is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on two counts each of attempted murder of a peace officer and assault with a firearm upon a peace officer.
Arroyo allegedly fired at a uniformed police officer in the courtyard of an apartment complex in the 3000 block of East Artesia Boulevard in North Long Beach as officers responded to a call of shots heard in the area shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday.
Three officers returned fire, according to police, who said the injured officer and Arroyo suffered “non life-threatening” wounds in the shootout.
The injured officer underwent surgery Monday.
Police announced Tuesday that the bullet recovered from the injured officer came from another officer who was returning fire at Arroyo, and that an examination of ballistic evidence showed that a round collected from the wall directly behind the injured officer came from the suspect’s gun.
Police said they believe the evidence will show that Arroyo fired at more than one officer at the scene before being taken into custody.
If convicted as charged, Arroyo could face up to 80 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
— City News Service