Man Shot Twice in Police Pursuit

A motorcycle officer shot and wounded a motorist who allegedly tried to run over him Friday in Reseda, authorities said.

Los Angeles Police Officer David Hopkins stopped the motorist, who is in his early 50s, for a speeding violation about 11 a.m. at the intersection of Valjean Avenue and Valerio Street, LAPD Officer Jason Lee said. When the officer got off his bike, the driver of the stolen red Nissan Sentra sped away.

The motorist, who has not yet been identified, led the officer on a pursuit for about five minutes, police said. During the chase, the driver allegedly applied his brakes several times to try to cause an accident with the officer’s motorcycle, which was following him closely at the time.

“He tried to induce a traffic collision,” Lee said.

Police said the driver slammed on his brakes and made a sudden U-turn at Saticoy Street and Zelzah Avenue. He drove toward the officer, who fired two shots at the driver, Lee said.

The driver was struck in the right arm and shoulder and was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition Friday night. The officer wasn’t injured.

Hopkins, 32, has been employed with the department for 11 years and works in the Valley Traffic Division.

Investigators said they recovered drug paraphernalia and what appeared to be a controlled substance from inside the vehicle.

Police also said the driver may have taken the license plate of a similar car and placed it on the stolen vehicle to avoid detection.

“We call it a cold plate on a hot car,” Lee said.

Once the suspect is released from the hospital, police said he may face charges of assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft and possession of a controlled substance.