LA County offers $100,000 reward for information leading to arrest of suspect in cop ambush shooting

The Los Angeles County governing body has earmarked $100,000 for tip-offs that might help police to nab a suspect, described as a young black man, who shot two deputies multiple times in their car on Saturday.

“The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has authorized a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect,” LA County’s five-member governing body announced on Sunday, after the unprovoked, point-blank shooting of two police officers near a metro station in the city of Compton attracted nationwide attention, including that of US President Donald Trump.

An unknown attacker, who could be seen on a surveillance video released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, approached the patrol vehicle and discharged his weapon multiple times, seriously injuring two deputies inside, a 31-year-old female officer and her 24-year-old male partner.

The assailant could be seen leaving the scene unimpeded as one of the stricken officers struggled to open the vehicle's door. Despite having been severely hurt by the barrage of gunfire, the officers radioed for help and were taken to hospital in critical condition.

The blurry footage released by the department offers few clues as to the suspect’s appearance or even his gender, prompting speculation online that the attacker could have been a female or even a child. However, the LASD said that the “suspect is described as a male, black, 28 to 30-years-old.”

The execution-style shooting has prompted an outpouring of support for the officers, with Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva offering his “appreciation for the overwhelming support being offered from all over the nation.” However, it has also sparked protests outside the hospital ward where the officers were being treated for their wounds.

The activists allegedly tried to storm the emergency room, blocking entries and exits to the hospital, and chants of “We hope they die” rang out among the crowd, police said. Two people were arrested.

With the deputies believed to be clinging to their lives, Trump has described the attacker as an “animal” and called for “a fast trial” and the “death penalty” for the shooter if the officers do not survive. 

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