THAT WILL TEACH HIM TO POINT A RADAR GUN AT A SPEEDING VEHICLE

There have been more and more unprovoked deadly attacks on police officer throughout the U.S. over the past few years. In this case, it looks like the shooting was a spillover from some dudes thinking it was still Cinco de Mayo. The officer would probably have died were it not for his protective vest.

Bob Walsh says: Radar gun vs. machine gun, not a good match

CHP OFFICER SHOT TWICE
Passenger opened fire with automatic weapon, striking officer

KERO-23
May 7, 2012

BODFISH, Calif. -- A California Highway Patrol officer was shot twice by a passenger in an SUV that had flipped a U-turn to confront him as he stood on the side of the road in Bodfish using his radar gun, according to CHP investigators.

The unidentified officer told investigators he was conducting radar checks about 10:45 p.m. Sunday on Highway 178 near Borel Road when a dark blue SUV sped past him.

Assistant Chief Brian Smith with the California Highway Patrol said the vehicle then made a U-turn, crossed the double-yellow lines and veered close to the officer. So the officer turned on his headlights.

Smith said a passenger in that SUV rolled down the window and fired several shots at the officer with a fully automatic gun. The officer returned fire before the SUV raced off eastbound toward Lake Isabella. He told investigators he believe he may have struck the shooter. Officials say the officer tried to chase them, but his patrol car had a flat tire.

The officer was struck in the hand and in the chest, but he was wearing a protective vest. His injuries are considered minor, and he was treated and released from Kern Medical Center.

County law enforcement agencies are now working together to locate at least three people, last seen in a dark blue 200s model SUV, like a Yukon, with large 24-inch chrome wheels, bullet holes on the left-hand side and a broken left rear window where the shooter was sitting.

The shooter is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a light colored tank top, possibly suffering gunshot wounds.

The driver is also described as a Hispanic male, last seen wearing a white cowboy hat and button up shirt.

A Blue Alert has been issued, which means officers outside of Kern County are also helping to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state, or federal law enforcement officers.