Driver Accused of Trying to Kill Officer
A motorist who allegedly tried to run down a traffic officer was charged Monday with attempted murder, according to the district attorney’s office.
Gary Simmons, 47, of Ventura County was shot twice by 32-year-old Officer David Hopkins of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division. Simmons is in critical but stable condition at an area hospital, where he remains on a respirator, said Det. Rich Haro of the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division. His injuries are not life-threatening, Haro said.
If convicted, Simmons faces a maximum 15 years to life in prison, according to the district attorney’s office.
On Sept. 22, Hopkins reported spotting Simmons driving his car 59 mph in a 35-mph zone near Reseda Boulevard and Sherman Way.
When Hopkins tried to pull him over, Simmons allegedly sped away and Hopkins followed.
Simmons then braked rapidly, trying to cause the officer, who was on a motorcycle, to crash into the rear of his car, police said. Then at least two more times, Simmons allegedly tried to back his car into the officer, who fired two rounds.
The officer was not injured.
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