CHP officer ambushed in random attack by two suspects in East LA

An investigation is underway after a CHP officer was shot at by two suspects in East Los Angeles Tuesday morning. 

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a CHP officer was driving in the area of Third Street and Ford Boulevard around 9 a.m. when two suspects opened fire on the patrol vehicle. 

Additional officers were called to the scene and once they arrived, the suspects began firing at them.  

The officers returned fire, striking one of the suspects. The other suspect fled on foot. That suspect was taken to the hospital, their condition is not known.  

A firearm was recovered at the scene.  

Dramatic video obtained by FOX 11 shows the moments the shootout took place in the area. 

The scene in East LA almost resembled a war zone, with tires screeching in the background and a fierce gunbattle that can be heard very loudly in the video.

Merchants in the area told FOX 11's Laura Diaz that they heard at least seven shots initially — then a peppering of multiple bullets. Some of them hid in their stores.

During a press conference, Lt. Patricia Thomas with the sheriff’s department called the incident an ambush.  

"A CHP officer was driving down the street and he unexpectedly, suddenly took rounds," Thomas said.  

Video from the scene shows the back window of the patrol vehicle shattered by gunfire.  No officers were injured in the shooting. 

Officials are searching for the second suspect. 

Some on-ramps and off-ramps to and from the nearby Long Beach (710) Freeway were closed while the investigation was conducted, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Additionally, Metro L (Gold) Line trains are not running between the Indiana and East LA Civic Center stations, according to Metro. Buses are shuttling riders between those stations, but passengers should anticipate delays.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

FOX 11 News' Laura Diaz and the City News Service contributed to this report.