LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles police officer suffered a minor wound and a suspect was killed during a running gunfight in the Nickerson Gardens public housing project in Watts, authorities said.
The shooting was reported at about 11 p.m. Monday at 112th and Antwerp streets, according to Officer Norma Eisenman of Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations.
The officer was taken to a hospital, where he was later visited by Chief Charlie Beck. "I'm in awe of the courage displayed. Expected to make a full recovery and in good spirits," Beck said.
Initial accounts "suggest that our brave LAPD officers endured a fierce gun battle requiring unwavering courage," the chief said.
"Officers were on extra patrols in the Nickerson Gardens community housing project," Eisenman said. "They observed a group of individuals. In the process of disbursing them one suspect began running. The suspect produced a handgun and exchanged shots with the officer."
Eisenman said gunshots were exchanged as the chase continued, and one suspect and one officer were shot. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer was taken to a hospital where he was treated for a non-life-threatening wound and released.
Reports at the scene indicated the officer was shot in the arm.
Officers from around the city helped set up a perimeter at the scene to search for suspects, but Eisenman says it appears the dead man was the only suspect. Police said a firearm was recovered at the scene.
The investigation was continuing.
