Officer takes taxi during Hollywood police pursuit

A Los Angeles police officer who was running after a burglary suspect got an unexpected assist when a taxi driver pulled to the curb and offered to help the officer catch up.

Authorities said the incident began early Sunday on Lemon Grove Avenue in Hollywood when a pair of officers chasing an auto burglary suspect decided to split up -- with one returning to their squad car and the other continuing the foot chase.

As the officer ran down the street, “a good Samaritan driving a taxicab in the area observed the officer on foot and offered transportation,” authorities said.

When the two officers -- one in the squad car, one in the cab -- caught up to the alleged burglar, the man pulled out a gun and fired, police said.

The officers returned fire and critically wounded the gunman. No officers were injured and the man’s weapon was recovered at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

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