Search underway for suspect accused of shooting West Covina officer

Police and sheriff's deputies on Saturday continued their search for an armed man, at one time on a bicycle, who shot and wounded a police officer in West Covina.

The shooting took place at 11:20 p.m. Friday, near the intersection of North Yaleton Avenue and Badillo Street, according to Deputy Mike Barraza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The suspect was identified as Jose Luis Chavez, 47, described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 225 pounds. Authorities said he also has a left eyebrow piercing.

Chavez and the weapon have not been located, and he should be considered armed and dangerous.

"We're doing a grid search right now. We do have a large area contained. That's where we are right now. It's a very active scene," said Deputy Juanita Navarro of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.

According to sheriff's homicide detectives who are assisting West Covina police with the officer-involved shooting investigation, the wounded officer had "contacted'' a man riding a bicycle. That contact led to a gunfight between the officer and the bicyclist, which left the officer wounded, according to Deputy Trina Schrader.

There's no word yet on what led to the escalation after the contact was made by officers, or why the officer stopped the man in the first place.

The West Covina officer was transported to a trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries, Barraza said.

He added that the sheriff's department was assisting West Covina police along with police from other municipalities in maintaining the perimeter around the search area and in looking for the suspect.

Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.