Suspected Burglar Shot by Police in Serious Condition

A suspected burglar, who was shot by police after allegedly trying to run over an officer attempting to arrest him in West Hills, remained hospitalized Tuesday in serious condition, authorities said.

Hootan Safaee, 18, will be booked on suspicion of residential burglary and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Lt. John Dunkin. Safaee was being treated at Holy Cross Medical Center for a bullet wound to the left shoulder, Dunkin said.

Plainclothes officers from the LAPD’s elite anti-crime task force, known as COBRA, were conducting a surveillance operation Monday on Safaee when they allegedly saw him burglarize a home, Dunkin said.

The officers waited until the burglary was complete, then requested other police to assist them in stopping and arresting Safaee.

Knowing that Safaee lived nearby in the 7600 block of Woodlake Avenue, the officers headed in that direction to try to capture him. However, Safaee saw an officer and allegedly tried to drive off. When another officer showed up, the two blocked Safaee’s car. One officer approached his car and tried to arrest him, according to police.

Safaee responded by putting his car in reverse and accelerating, striking the officer, Dunkin said. The officer, who was treated at a local hospital for a minor injury, fired one round at Safaee’s car, police said.

When Safaee put his car in forward and allegedly tried to get away again, the second officer also fired a shot.