Long Beach Police Officer Undergoes Surgery after Shooting

A Long Beach police officer involved in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect at a North Long Beach apartment complex underwent surgery this afternoon, but was expected to recover, police said.

The officer-involved shooting in the 3000 block of Artesia Boulevard occurred at 9:06 p.m. Sunday, said Long Beach police Officer Claudia Lopez.

“As officers entered the complex, the suspect started shooting at the officers,” Lopez said. “An officer-involved shooting occurred.”

The officer and the suspect were taken to a hospital foir treatment, and both were said to be in stable condition, police said.

The suspect was identified late this afternoon as Eric Arroyo, 31, of Long Beach. He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer.

Long Beach police held a news conference this afternoon at which they said:

-- The initial call came from a female who said shots had been fired and the suspect was nearby. The line disconnected, but the dispatcher called her right back and learned the suspect was still at the scene with a gun;

-- The first officer on the scene was flagged down by the caller who “was screaming for help hysterically while pulling on the patrol car handle. She told officers that a male suspect had filed a gun within an apartment complex;”

-- After officers entered the complex, the suspect “exited one of the apartment units and began shooting at a uniformed police officer in the courtyard;

-- The suspect left the complex and dropped his weapon, which was later recovered;

-- Despite being shot, the suspect resisted officers and an electronic control device was used to take him into custody;

-- A second officer sustained minor injuries;

Long Beach police will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office this week for filing consideration.

City News Service