Sheriff Says Gang Member Caught in ‘ambush’ Shooting of L.a. County Deputy

On Tuesday, Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County announced that a gang member in San Onofre who shot a deputy in the back while he was sitting on his motorcycle at a stoplight in West Covina has been arrested by California Highway Patrol officers.

Deputy Samuel Aispuro, who is 43 years old, was shot once at around 2:45 p.m. on Monday in an unexpected attack at the intersection of Barranca Street and East Garvey Avenue, according to authorities. After the shooting, Aispuro was able to use a radio to call for help, which started a large search for the person responsible. The deputy was taken to the hospital in stable condition, but is now recovering well at home, according to Luna.

Raymundo Duran, 47, was arrested by CHP officers on Monday evening. He is suspected of driving under the influence and possessing a loaded firearm. The arrest took place at a San Onofre inspection point, and Duran was driving a silver Toyota Camry. According to Luna, investigators discovered that Duran was involved in the West Covina shooting after initially arresting him for suspected drunk driving.

“Luna said that there was a lot of good detective work and eventually we were able to connect all the dots.” Afterwards, homicide detectives from the Sheriff’s department interviewed Duran while he was in the San Diego County jail.

“According to what people said, a security camera video in West Covina, witness statements, and the gun found by CHP, detectives are very sure that Raymundo Duran is the person who shot our deputy,” Luna said. Duran is currently in the San Diego County jail and his bail is set at $1 million. Luna said that the weapon found by the CHP is thought to be the one used in the shooting. It is currently being tested for forensic evidence.

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Luna said that Duran is a known member of a gang, but he didn’t mention the name of the gang. “He has been involved in many crimes in the past.” The sheriff said that he has a history of being very violent. “He should not have been allowed to have a gun considering his criminal record.”

Luna mentioned that more information about Duran’s motivation and what happened will only be shared in court and not made public yet. The sheriff expressed gratitude to the witnesses of the shooting who promptly helped the injured deputy. “Over time, their information became extremely valuable.” You are heroes in our opinion.

Aispuro, who is married and has two children, is now doing well and is with his family at home, according to Luna. Luna said that the deputy’s bulletproof vest protected him and prevented the case from becoming a murder investigation.

Luna said that Aispuro, who has been working for the department for 19 and a half years, sent out an urgent message that included a description of the Camry. Authorities followed the lead to a house in La Puente. They detained several people there, but did not arrest them. Eventually, the people were released, according to Luna.

Aispuro was stationed at the Century station in Lynwood and was in West Covina for training, according to a statement from L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“This situation could have been much worse, and it serves as a reminder that our deputies risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” she said. “I am ready to help the sheriff and his deputies as they try to find and punish the person who is responsible.”