A San Bernardino County sheriff’s detective who was shot during an unspecified investigation in Littlerock was recovering Friday following successful surgery, while authorities continued probing the circumstances of the shooting that left a suspect dead.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide detectives were working with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to investigate the shooting, which occurred around 3:10 p.m. Wednesday in the 13000 block of East Avenue R-2.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, one of the agency’s detectives was shot “while conducting a follow-up investigation.” No details about the nature of the investigation were released.
It was unclear exactly what led up to the gunfire. Video from the scene showed a white SUV that appeared to be the focus of the investigation.
The injured detective was flown to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster for treatment of a gunshot wound just below the rib cage. On Thursday afternoon, San Bernardino sheriff’s officials said the detective underwent successful surgery and was still stable.
“He continues to recover and is expected to be released from the hospital in the near future,” sheriff’s officials said. “We are grateful to members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their quick response, assistance and immediate medical care provided to our detective. We also want to thank the medical professionals and hospital staff at Antelope Valley Medical Center who continue to provide him with excellent medical care.”
The detective’s name was not released. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus told reporters Wednesday night the detective is in his 30s and a 12-year veteran of the department.
A suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect’s name also was not released.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a weapon was found in the suspect’s vehicle.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters at a Wednesday evening news conference he did not know how many shots were fired during the exchange of gunfire. He also provided no details about the nature of the investigation that led to the shooting, but said the deputies were clearly dealing with a violent suspect.
“He was armed, dangerous and he was willing to shoot it out with police,” Luna said.
Anyone with additional information on the shooting was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.