$20K Reward For Information Leading To Man Accused Of Shooting West Covina Police Officer

WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man suspected of shooting and wounding a police officer in West Covina.

The reward will be announced at a news conference Wednesday morning at West Covina police headquarters.

The suspect has been identified as 47-year-old Jose Chavez. "Chavez fired numerous rounds at the officer as the officer attempted to detain him," Deputy Sara Rodriguez of the Sheriff's Information Bureau said.

The officer has been released from a hospital after being shot in the upper body about 11:20 p.m. Friday near the intersection of North Yaleton Avenue and Badillo Street.

According to sheriff's homicide detectives who are assisting West Covina police with the investigation, the wounded officer had made contact with a man riding a bicycle.

That contact led to a gunfight between the officer and the bicyclist, leaving the officer wounded, according to Deputy Trina Schrader.

It's not clear what led to the shooting or why the officer stopped the man.

Chavez is described as Hispanic, about 6-feet-1 inch tall, weighing 225 pounds, with dark hair and eyes and a left eyebrow piercing, Rodriguez said.

He should be considered armed and dangerous, investigators said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact sheriff's homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.

Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.