Man Arrested for Shooting and Wounding a Police Officer

Los Angeles: On November 7, 2008, Los Angeles police arrested a 28-year-old man, who shot an officer in the chest and the wrist after he entered a home in South Los Angeles.  The officer survived because he was wearing his bullet-proof vest.

After a five hour stand-off with police, Samuel Jackson was arrested and charged with attempt murder on a police officer.  He is being held on a $1 million bail.  

The incident occurred just before 2:15 a.m., when officers were called out to check on a group of people who reported a gunman was holding them hostage inside of a residence in the 10900 block of Croesus Avenue.  When the police arrived, an unidentified person met with them outside the residence and told them that the gunman had left the residence.  Concerned for the individuals’ safety, the officers entered the home and Jackson opened fired on them.  During the exchange of gunfire, Police Officer Owen Berger was wounded.

After the officers and the occupants exited the residence, Jackson had barricaded himself.  Los Angeles police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to the scene and found Jackson hiding underneath a sheet.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident.  A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.

The three officers that were involved in the shooting are Sergeant Dan Garner, 30 ½ years on the Department, Officer Berger, 4 years on Department and Officer Thorsten Timmermans, 3 years and 8 months on the Department.

The injured officer was taken to UCLA Medical Center where he was treated and released.  No other officers or the suspect were hurt.  

Force Investigation Division will handle the shooting investigation.