Police Officer Shot in Whittier, California
Whittier, Calif. – An officer with the Whittier Police Department is said to be in “good spirits” after being shot on Monday night, according to officials. The incident occurred near the intersection of Pickering Avenue and Penn Street, just before 9 p.m.
Details surrounding the shooting are still unclear as authorities have not released any information on how the incident unfolded. However, a Facebook post by Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri confirmed that the officer, who remains unidentified, has been hospitalized and is in good condition. The suspect, who was also shot, is now in custody with no information available about their condition.
Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri commended the swift response of local law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspect. Meanwhile, witnesses in the neighborhood reported being startled by the sound of gunfire.
Alexis Martinez, a resident in the area, recalled the moment, saying, “My husband and I were sitting in the living room and next thing you know, we heard pops, and my husband’s like, ‘Was that gunshots or fireworks? I think it was fireworks.’ He was like, ‘Nope!’ Once we saw the cops and the lights, we were like, ‘It was gunshots.'”
Other neighbors also reported hearing at least 10 gunshots, heightening concerns about safety in the community.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time. Eyewitness News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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