Wounded Officer Improves; Gunman Still Sought
A Long Beach motorcycle officer who was shot in the head and leg earlier this week was listed in stable condition Friday as police continued to search for the gunman, authorities said.
Brian Watt, 32, was wounded about 8:25 p.m. Wednesday when a suspected carjacker fired six shots at him and his partner during a traffic stop at Home Street and Long Beach Boulevard. Watts was struck in the head by a bullet that was partially deflected by his helmet.
The five-year veteran and father of three had been listed in critical condition at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. He was moved out of the critical care unit Friday morning.
Police described the gunman as a white or Latino in his 30s with a heavy-set build. He has short dark hair that is combed back. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a white T-shirt, black pants and white shoes.
Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to call Long Beach homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244.
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