A man was charged with attempted murder April 24 in the shooting of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in the back while he was on duty in West Covina, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Deputy Samuel Aispuro, 43, was shot April 22 while on his department motorcycle, stopped at a red light on Barranca Street and Garvey Avenue, but the bullet did not penetrate his bulletproof vest, Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Raymundo Duran, 47, was arrested the night of the shooting after being pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers in northern San Diego on suspicion of driving under the influence and was later found to be in possession of a firearm.
He was later identified as the suspect in the shooting after detectives reviewed evidence collected from the scene.
Mr. Luna said Mr. Duran has a “very extensive criminal history, a very violent criminal history,” but did not provide further details. He added that “this man was armed with a firearm—he had no business being armed with a firearm given his criminal history.”
Mr. Aispuro is a nearly 20-year veteran of the sheriff’s department and is married with two children, according to Mr. Luna. He was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center but is now in stable condition and recovering at home.
Mr. Duran is being held in a San Diego jail on a $1 million bail. He could face life imprisonment if ultimately convicted.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
