Armed Suspect Fires at Police

Los Angeles: A man was arrested Saturday after he pointed and fired a handgun at police officers in the North Hollywood area.

On August 26, 2006, shortly after 1:00 a.m., officers from North Hollywood Area Property Crimes were working a plain clothes detail in the area of Burbank Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue, when they saw a vehicle being driven in a reckless manner. Police followed the vehicle and notified Communications Division, requesting that uniformed back up units respond.

Before the additional units arrived, the suspect, later identified as 23 year old Jose Molina, stopped and exited his vehicle. After officers identified themselves, Molina began firing a handgun in their direction. Officers Shawn Smith, 31 years old, 9 years with the Department, and Scott Tween, 34 years old, 6 months with the Department, returned fire. An Officer Involved Shooting resulted.

After firing several rounds at officers, Molina returned to his vehicle and drove away. As he did, he threw the handgun out of the window and abruptly stopped his vehicle. He and his brother, 27 year old Danny Molina, a passenger in the vehicle, were immediately arrested.

Both Jose and his brother were taken into custody without further incident. Both were later booked at Van Nuys jail for attempted murder on a police officer.

During the shooting, Officer Tween fell to the ground, fracturing his right elbow. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Force Investigation Division is handling the inquiry.

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