Calif. Police Officer Shot in Struggle During Traffic Stop

Jan. 13, 2023
Following a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation, East Palo Alto police scuffled with a fleeing suspect who fired a shot that struck an officer in a lower extremity.

A California police officer was shot while struggling with a suspect during a traffic stop Thursday.

The shooting happened shortly after 11 p.m. after East Palo Alto police had pulled over a driver for a vehicle code infraction, KNTV-TV reports. During the stop, the suspect fled on foot, and officers gave chase.

Once they caught up with the man, officers scuffled with the suspect, who pulled a gun and fired a shot. The bullet struck an officer in a lower extremity.

The officer was rushed to the hospital with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening. Police did not return fire, and no other injuries were reported.

Officers subdued the suspect, and he was taken into custody. A "ghost gun" that had been converted to fully automatic and equipped with a high-capacity magazine was recovered at the scene.

Police are investigating the shooting.

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