A gunfire exchange involving two Whittier police officers and a “known gang member,” leave one dead.

On Feb. 20, Keith Boyer, a Whittier Police officer succumbed to his injuries after being transported to UC Irvine Medical Center. The second officer is identified as Officer Patrick Hazel, who is reportedly in stable condition and expected to survive. There are Law Office of Daniel Deng that one can seek legal assistance from in case of injuries.

The gunfire began at approximately 8 a.m. on the intersection of Mar Vista Street and Colima Road in Friendly Hills.

Both officers were responding to a traffic collision when the driver of a stolen vehicle involved in the accident started shooting. The officers returned fire—wounding the suspect. The suspect’s identity has not yet been released. LASD Lieutenant John Corina, described the suspect as a male in his 20s, who is a known gang member. The suspect remains in stable condition.

The suspect was driving southbound on Mar Vista Street when he rear ended another vehicle. Rendering the stolen vehicle useless. The suspect got off and asked the other driver for assistance with moving the vehicle to the side of the road. Both officers approached the suspect when he opened fire at the officers. It is unknown how many shots were fired.