Wounded Judge Helps Investigators Seeking Attacker

A part-time judge who was near death last week after he was shot in an apparent robbery has recovered enough to help investigators put together a composite drawing of his attacker, police said Tuesday.

Charles Edward Salovesh, 59, who was shot on Nov. 13, remains in stable and guarded condition at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, Orange Police Lt. Timm Browne said.

“The judge is recovering exceptionally well,” Browne said. “He has been able to discuss the incident with us and was up and able to take a shower on his own today. He is an incredible man, who also had the gift of being exceptionally fortunate.”

Salovesh had returned to his Brea home and parked his car that Monday evening when he was approached by a man who demanded money and shot the judge twice in the upper body. One bullet pierced his heart.

The gunman was trying to flee with Salovesh’s wallet and $25 when the judge pulled out his own gun and fired shots. Salovesh, judge pro tem at Municipal Court in Fullerton, was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, police said. It’s unknown if the robber was hit.

Salovesh, also a retired deputy marshal, underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition last week.

Browne said the basic description of the attacker has not changed, but the composite offers more detailed information on the man’s features.

He is African-American, in his 30s, about 6 feet and about 180 pounds. He has short dark hair and possibly wore an earring in his left ear.

The man is sought for robbery and attempted murder. Police recovered a handgun, which had been reported stolen in Los Angeles.