Suspect Faces Judge For Shootout That Wounded Long Beach Officer

LONG BEACH, CA – Eric Arroyo, 31, of Long Beach will face a judge to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial today. Arroyo is charged with two felony counts each of attempted murder of a peace officer and assault with a firearm upon a peace officer after a shootout he allegedly initiated with police, in which a Long Beach police officer was struck by gunfire from a fellow officer..

The criminal complaint alleges that Arroyo personally and intentionally discharged a firearm. He allegedly fired at a uniformed police officer in the courtyard of a Long Beach apartment complex in June of last year.

Three officers returned fire, according to police, and the injured officer and Arroyo suffered what were described by police as “non-life-threatening” wounds in the shootout.

The injured officer underwent surgery and is expected to recover. Police announced last year that the bullet recovered from the injured officer came from another officer who was attempting to return fire at Arroyo. An examination of ballistic evidence showed that a round collected from the wall directly behind the injured officer came from the suspect’s gun.

Police said they believe the evidence will show that Arroyo fired at more than one officer at the scene before being subdued. Arroyo could face up to 80 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

City News Service contributed to this post; Photo via Shutterstock