Man Who Shot Officer May Have Modified Truck

Authorities were searching Friday for a bumper and license plate stolen from a truck in Dana Point that is similar to one used by a gunman who shot a California Highway Patrol officer.

The items may have been stolen to disguise the red Toyota Tacoma truck used in Wednesday’s attack on CHP Officer Gary Burnett, 39, officials said. Burnett is recovering at a hospital.

The gunman, who had been stopped for speeding on southbound Interstate 5 in San Clemente, was driving a red Toyota Tacoma pickup minus a rear bumper and license plate.

Dozens of drivers in red Toyota trucks have been stopped by police agencies throughout the Southland since the morning of the shooting.

Orange County sheriff’s spokesman Tom Amormino said the stolen bumper was taken from a white 1998 Toyota truck along with the plate, 5U12595.

Authorities downplayed the significance of the missing bumper in their search for the suspect and the missing red Toyota truck.

“This is one of at least 100 tips that we’ve gotten from citizens,” said Amormino. “Each one is being followed, including this one.”

CHP spokeswoman Joan Rivas said that Burnett was recovering Friday from a second operation the day before on his right arm, which was shattered by a bullet. Another bullet hit the officer in the chest and was stopped by his armored vest.

Rivas said that citizens are still sending flowers and well wishes to Burnett. Among the gifts was a Lotto scratcher that proved to be a winner, she said.

“It was only a $2 winner but it lifted his spirits. He’s asked us to thank the community for everything they’ve done for him and his family,” Rivas said.