LOS ANGELES -- An LAPD officer was shot several times Thursday while making a pedestrian stop, a police spokesperson said.
The shooting was reported around 2:45 p.m near 70th Street and Western Avenue.
Authorities say two officers from the 77th Street station were questioning pedestrians about a rash of car break-ins when a group of suspects opened fire.
As many as 15 rounds were fired at the officers, LAPD spokesman Richard French said.
One officer was hit at least three times, and taken to California Hospital in serious condition.
Two shots hit the officer in the chest, but were absorbed by his protective vest, according to French.
The officer also suffered a wound to his hand. He is scheduled to have surgery on his hand Friday, according to Police Chief Charlie Beck.
The officer has not been identified, but he is reportedly a 7-year-veteran of the force who recently got married.
The second officer was not injured.
Los Angeles police said they have recovered the gun used in the shooting, but two suspects are still being sought by police.
Both are men are black and approximately 18 to 25 years old. One of the men was wearing a white shirt and black pants, and the other had on a white shirt with blue long sleeves and dark pants.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
