Gunman sought in shooting of officer

Karen Zekan

Friday, June 26, 1998 | 10:58 a.m.

Metro Police and Nevada Highway Patrol troopers were assisting the California Highway Patrol in San Bernardino County this morning, searching for the gunman responsible for shooting a patrolman in his shoulder about 4 a.m. near the California-Nevada border.

The 36-year-old male officer, identified as a 10-year CHP veteran, was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center where he remained in serious but stable condition, authorities said.

The officer and two colleagues had pulled to the side of the road to assist what had been reported as a stranded motorist on southbound Interstate 15 north of Halloran Summit Road, about 30 miles north of Baker.

Preliminary reports indicated that the gunman was apparently outside of the car when he fired on the approaching officer, wounding the officer in his shoulder before running through the open desert where only a few houses and ranches are built.

Lt. Rick Alba, Metro spokesman, said the gunman may have used a .22- or .25-caliber handgun.

Officers from Metro's southeast area command and NHP were en route to the area upon receiving CHP's call for help moments after the shooting.

Authorities described the gunman as in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 7, and was last seen wearing a plaid shirt and plaid pants.