A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department veteran, Deputy Samuel Aispuro, narrowly escaped tragedy after being shot in the back while seated on his patrol motorcycle at a stoplight in West Covina. The 43-year-old, a dedicated officer with nearly two decades of service, was targeted in the callous attack, sparking a manhunt for the assailant.
The chilling incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. in the vicinity of Barranca and Garvey avenues, as detailed by L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna during a press conference. Luna expressed his disbelief at the heinous act, condemning the shooter for targeting a deputy sheriff while unarmed and awaiting a red light.
Fortunately, Deputy Aispuro, a devoted husband and father of two, managed to send out an emergency broadcast for assistance after sustaining the gunshot wound. Thanks to his bullet-proof vest, the bullet failed to penetrate, leaving him in stable condition as he received medical attention at Pomona Valley Hospital.
Authorities are actively seeking the perpetrator, who remains at large. LASD detectives, in collaboration with the West Covina Police Department, are urging the public’s cooperation in identifying a white sedan with tinted windows, believed to be linked to the incident and last spotted heading westbound on the 10 Freeway.
Sheriff Luna emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging anyone with information to come forward to ensure the swift apprehension of the armed individual responsible for the cowardly act. Detectives are scouring the area for potential surveillance footage that could provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation.
As the search intensifies, authorities detained several individuals during the initial manhunt, although they were subsequently released pending further inquiry. Luna reiterated the importance of community assistance in bringing the perpetrator to justice, urging individuals to contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers with any relevant information.
The brazen attack on Deputy Aispuro serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily, underscoring the critical need for swift action to ensure public safety and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.