Deputy Shot in Antelope Valley Shooting

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department detective was shot during an investigation in Littlerock on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and was airlifted to Antelope Valley Hospital, where officials said he was in stable condition. Authorities said a suspect was killed at the scene after an exchange of gunfire in the Antelope Valley community, near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line. Officials have not released the detective’s name, the suspect’s identity or the underlying case detectives were working. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives are now leading the investigation because the shooting happened in Los Angeles County. ### Where did the shooting happen, and when did deputies respond? Littlerock, an unincorporated community in northern Los Angeles County, was the site of the shooting near the 13000 block of East Avenue R and 130th Street, according to officials. The Los Angeles County Fire Department told KTLA that crews were sent to the area shortly after 3 p.m. for a reported gunshot wound. ABC7 reported the shooting occurred shortly after 3 p.m. while a criminal investigation was underway. (ktla.com) ### What were San Bernardino detectives doing there? San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said the detective was conducting an investigation when the shooting began. NBC Los Angeles reported the detective was serving a search warrant near East Avenue R and 130th Street, while KTLA said only that the detective had been shot while conducting an investigation at that location. Authorities did not publicly describe the target of the warrant or the case detectives were pursuing. (ktla.com) ### What do officials say happened in the gunfire? Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the detective was struck below the ribcage during an exchange of gunfire that left the suspect dead. ABC7 reported that both the detective and the suspect were hit. Luna told reporters the suspect “was armed and dangerous and willing to shoot it out with police,” adding that “that’s a very dangerous individual in my opinion.” Officials did not say what weapon the suspect used or describe how the shooting unfolded step by step. (ktla.com) ### What is known about the wounded detective? Sheriff Shannon Dicus said the wounded detective is a veteran investigator who joined the department in 2014. KTLA described him as a 12-year veteran, and NBC Los Angeles reported Dicus said he is a 30-year-old man. ABC7 said he underwent surgery after being flown by helicopter to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster and was expected to recover. Dicus said the air transport was critical to getting the deputy to life-saving treatment. (ktla.com) ### What has been released about the suspect? Authorities said the suspect died at the scene on Aug. 5 after the exchange of gunfire. Officials have not released the person’s name, gender or any other identifying details. ABC7 reported investigators also had not disclosed what weapon the suspect used, and KTLA said officials had not explained what the investigation was tied to. (ktla.com) ### Why is Los Angeles County handling the investigation? Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist after the shooting, Robert Luna said. ABC7 reported that Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting, and officials said there is no threat to the public. Aerial video cited by KTLA showed a large law enforcement presence, including investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County vehicles marked by gunfire damage. (ktla.com) ### What happens next? Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing as of late Wednesday night, and officials had not announced any arrest, additional suspect or further search activity. ABC7 said anyone with information was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Further updates are likely to come from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus as investigators identify the suspect and describe the original investigation. (ktla.com) (abc7.com)