LOS ANGELES (CBS) — It only took one day for the intensified police presence at Los Angeles schools to pay off.

KNX1070’s Pete Demetriou reports an officer patrolling near an elementary school took both a gang member, and a gun, off the streets.

Olympic Division Senior Lead Officer Daniel Chavez was on patrol as students left Magnolia Elementary School Tuesday afternoon.

Suddenly, two gunshots were heard. Chavez warned the kids to get inside before arresting a man with a 357 magnum handgun.

The suspect was allegedly involved in a shooting with a rival gang member just two blocks away.

As far as Chavez is concerned, he was doing his job the way it was supposed to be done.

“I take this school as if it’s mine and I do believe it is mine because I work the area,” he said. “The kids know me from seeing me around the area when I’m doing patrol, so I was very fortunate to be able to be there and protect them during this time.”

Wednesday morning, kids were giving fist bumps and handshakes, as well as smiles, to Chavez – their cop, for their school.