Man With Replica Gun Shot By Off-Duty Police Officer NR09325kr

Los Angeles: A 34-year-old man who confronted an off-duty Los Angeles police officer with a realistic pellet gun was shot and wounded on July 5, 2009 in East Los Angeles.

Just before 9:30 p.m., Officer Jonathan Maldonado parked his private vehicle on 1st and Soto Streets to enter a local store.  A man identified as Octavio Blanco approached the officer while he was still seated in his car and removed what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband, which investigators later learned was a replica semi-automatic pellet handgun.  Maldonado, who feared that his life was being threatened, fired several rounds at Blanco striking him multiple times.  Blanco ran from the scene and was later apprehended by a responding patrol unit. 

The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

Maldonado, who has four years and five months with the Department, was not injured during the shooting. Blanco was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and is being held on a $100,000.00 bail.

Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division will handle the investigation.