Carjacker Convicted of Shooting Officer
A carjacker was convicted Monday in the 1997 shooting of Long Beach police officer.
The shooting was condemned at the time by then-Gov. Pete Wilson as an “appalling, cowardly, brutal act,” and prompted authorities to issue a reward of $60,000 for Aaron Hefflin’s capture.
Long Beach Police Officer Brian Watt had pulled Hefflin over for speeding, and Hefflin--who had carjacked the vehicle 10 minutes earlier--jumped out of the car and fired at Watt, striking him in the head and leg.
Watt, who during the trial identified Hefflin as his attacker, continues to have intense headaches and ringing in his ears, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Barbara Turner.
“Watt broke down in tears several times during [his testimony],” a very emotional moment in the trial, Turner said.
The Long Beach Superior Court jury found Hefflin, 32, guilty of one count each of attempted murder and carjacking. His sentencing was set for March 17.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
