Two deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office are in critical condition after a gunman ambushed them while they were sitting in their squad car. Authorities are trying to identify the suspect and released shocking surveillance video capturing the brazen attack.
"One male deputy and one female deputy were ambushed as they sat in their patrol vehicle," the sheriff's department wrote on Twitter. "Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in critical condition. They are both currently undergoing surgery. The suspect is still at large."
The officers were not identified, but officials said the two deputies were a 31-year-old mother and a 24-year-old man and had been on the force for 14 months.
After the officers were transported to the hospital, a group of angry protesters showed up and tried to block the emergency entrance. The sheriff's department declared the assembly unlawful and arrested two people while trying to disperse the crowd.
"After deputies issued a dispersal order for the unlawful assembly of a group of protesters blocking the hospital emergency entrance & exits, a male adult protester refused to comply & cooperate," the sheriff's department said. "During his arrest, a struggle ensued at which time a female adult ran towards the deputies, ignored repeated commands to stay back as they struggled with the male and interfered with the arrest. The female adult, who was later identified as a member of the press, did not identify herself as press and later admitted she did not have proper press credentials on her person. Both individuals have been arrested."
Photo: Getty Images