Suspect arrested in shooting of LA County deputy at traffic light in West Covina – NBC Los Angeles

A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy on a motorcycle who was waiting at a stoplight in West Covina on Monday when he was shot in the back.

The California Highway Patrol Border Division arrested Raymundo Duran, 47, in San Diego County on suspicion of driving under the influence and a weapons charge, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference Tuesday. A gun was found in the silver 2008 Toyota Camry he was driving, Luna said.

“Based on statements, surveillance camera video in West Covina, witness statements and the firearm recovered by CHP, investigators firmly believe he is the suspect in the shooting of our deputy,” Luna said.

Luna thanked witnesses who were at the shooting scene near the 10 Freeway in West Covina.

“They immediately went to help our deputy,” Luna said. “At some point their information became very important. In our eyes, you are heroes.”

There was no indication that anyone else was involved in the shooting, Luna said. The sheriff said Duran lived in Los Angeles County and was a gang member.

No details were revealed at Tuesday afternoon's news conference about what led to the shooting or where Duran may have been traveling when he was arrested.

The shooting was reported early Monday afternoon east of Los Angeles. The officer, who was wearing his uniform at the time, suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening, the agency said.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said the deputy was shot in the back while waiting for the green light on a motorcycle at the intersection of Barranca Street and East Garvey Avenue. He was identified as 43-year-old Samuel Aispuro, who has been with the sheriff for nearly 20 years, is married and has two children, ages 4 and 2.

“An examination of his vest revealed he was hit once,” Luna said.

Luna said the bullet did not penetrate Aispuro because he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which he said saved the deputy's life. Aispuro was taken to a hospital where his condition was stable.

Luna said he was able to report the shooting to his police colleagues.

The westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway were closed in West Covina near Barranca Street for the investigation around 3 p.m. The video showed several patrol cars near a highway overpass that was cordoned off by yellow police tape.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the sheriff's homicide unit at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.