2 L.A. Officers Shot; Suspect Believed Slain

Two Los Angeles police officers were wounded by gunfire and a suspect reportedly was shot to death late Wednesday after an armed robbery at a South Los Angeles supermarket, police said.

The wounded patrol officers were among several uniformed officers responding to a robbery call about 7:55 p.m. at the Boys Market at Manchester and Western avenues, LAPD Metropolitan Division Sgt. Glen Younger said.

“A raging gun battle ensued,” said Cmdr. Tim McBride, an LAPD spokesman. One of the wounded officers was grazed in the forehead; the nature of the other officer’s wound was not immediately clear. Both were taken to County-USC Medical Center. Police said neither officer’s life appeared to be in danger.

The unidentified suspect reportedly was mortally wounded during the exchange of gunfire outside the crowded supermarket as officers apparently surprised several robbers just moments after the holdup.

Younger said one officer was struck by gunfire from the suspects as he got out of his patrol car. It was not immediately clear when and where the second officer was hit.

The officers returned fire, Younger said, and one of the suspects fell to the pavement.

“I don’t know if there were other suspects who got away or really what happened,” said Officer Don Cox, an LAPD spokesman.

“I can’t officially confirm it,” one officer said about the suspect who was shot. “But they’re going to have to hold a funeral for him.”