Local News in Brief : Officer Slashed While Chasing Parolee

A parolee was arrested Thursday after he slashed a Los Angeles police officer with a knife during a foot chase in Canoga Park, police said.

Officer Robert Organ was treated for cuts on his hands, arms and upper torso after Albert Ricardo Trujillo, 22, of Canoga Park pulled a knife and started “slashing at the officer,” said Lt. Bill Gaida of the West Valley Division.

Organ shot twice at Trujillo but missed, Gaida said.

Organ and Officer Larry Capra, assigned to an anti-gang unit, were on patrol near Lanark Park about 12:25 a.m. when they noticed an auto driven by Trujillo “committing numerous traffic violations,” Gaida said.

The officers attempted to stop the car, but the driver fled and smashed into a car parked at Loma Verde Avenue and Sherman Way. Trujillo and his passenger, Stuart Hyman Rothman, 21, fled on foot with the officers in pursuit, police said.

Trujillo drew a large knife during the foot chase and began slashing at Organ, Gaida said.

Trujillo and Rothman were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and were being held without bail at the West Valley station. Gaida said both men are on parole, but did not elaborate.

Organ was treated for cuts at Northridge Hospital Medical Center and released.