Suspect Arrested After 2 Deputies Are Wounded

A man who shot and wounded two sheriff’s deputies in Bellflower on Monday morning was tracked down six hours later by a police dog, authorities said.

The deputies had gone to a home in the 9100 block of Palm Street about 8 a.m. looking for Javier Torres, 24. An arrest warrant had been issued after Torres, a felon, had been seen with a gun, Deputy Johnie Jones said.

The deputies wanted to speak to a 16-year-old about Torres’ whereabouts, Deputy Brian Lendman said.

“The suspect turned out to be at the residence,” Lendman said.

Torres ran out the back door “armed with a handgun and fired numerous rounds at the deputies, who were in the rear of the location,” Jones said. Bullets hit one deputy in the hip and another in the shoulder.

Torres ran west on Palm Street. After an intensive search, he was found about 2:40 p.m. in the 9100 block of Artesia Boulevard, authorities said.

“He was hiding in a shed in the alley, and our canine hit on him,” Jones said. “We surrounded the shed and were about to go in when he came out and surrendered without incident.”

Torres had a gunshot wound to his foot, Jones said.

“We are assuming he was hit by our deputies who fired on him, but we’re not sure yet,” said Jones. “He could have shot himself.”

Torres will be booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, Jones said.

The deputy who was struck in the hip underwent surgery. Her partner was treated for his shoulder wound and released. Both are assigned to the Major Crimes Bureau.