Police Arrest Gang Member in Shooting of Firefighter : Riots: A $37,500 reward offer led to the suspect in the attack, which occurred on the first night of the unrest.

A Los Angeles gang member was arrested Monday in the shooting attack that critically wounded a firefighter in April on the first night of the riots, Police Chief Willie L. Williams announced at a press conference.

Thurman Woods, 22, was taken into custody in the 3600 block of South Western Avenue about 2:30 p.m. Monday in response to tips that stemmed, in large part, from the offer of a $37,500 reward, Williams said.

The arrest took place on the street about five blocks from where Scott Miller, 33, was shot in the neck April 29 as he drove his fire truck to riot call.

Williams said Woods was being held without bail pending his scheduled arraignment this morning on charges of assault with intent to commit murder.

Miller was told of the arrest a few minutes after it occurred, Fire Chief Donald O. Manning said.

“In a very, very hoarse voice, he said, ‘Good,’ ” Manning said.

The wounded firefighter is said to be recovering, but his left arm is paralyzed, he has difficulty swallowing and his speech is impaired, according to his brother, Police Sgt. Jim Miller.

“Scott is very concerned about his recovery,” Jim Miller told reporters during a news conference at the Police Department’s Parker Center headquarters. “His focus is upon his return to duty. He loves his job.”

Police say Scott Miller was behind the wheel of a Los Angeles Fire Department hook-and-ladder truck, heading north on Western Avenue in response to a call, when a dark-colored sports truck pulled alongside and the driver fired a shot before speeding away.

The bullet struck Miller’s interior carotid artery and lodged in his neck. Miller collapsed over the wheel as the firetruck rolled to a stop.

Another firefighter jumped behind the wheel and sped to a nearby hospital, but Miller from suffered a severe loss of blood. Doctors say the blood loss triggered a stroke that caused the paralysis in Miller’s arm and neck. The bullet has not been removed.

Williams said that within hours of the attack, police detectives began searching for the assailant. The police chief said that although some tips started coming in early, the offer of a $37,500 reward from the Los Angeles City Council, the Fire Department and the Police Protective League “definitely made a difference” and increased the flow of information.

Williams declined to reveal details but said Woods’ name surfaced and further investigation confirmed that Woods was the man they were looking for. On Monday morning, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Detectives arrested Woods without incident, Williams said. The chief said Woods was not armed and offered no resistance. The trucks allegedly used in the attack has been recovered, investigators said.

No other suspects are being sought, Williams said.

Investigators said several weapons--one of which may have fired the shot that hit Miller--have been recovered, but Williams declined to say when or where they were found. Because the bullet is still lodged in Miller’s neck, no ballistics tests have been made.

Williams declined to identify the gang with which Woods is affiliated or speculate on what might have motivated the attack. How the reward money will be distributed has yet to be determined, he said.