CHP officer shot by murder suspects after pursuit.

According to a a San Bernardino Sheriff’s press release, “On Thursday, May 9, 2013, at approximately 11:41 a.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to a shots fired call at the Town Center Mall in Yucca Valley. The mall is located on the corner of Highway 62 and Warren Vista Street. Upon arriving at the location, deputies found a white sedan that appeared to be stuck on a curb. Deputies found a male adult, later identified as Obette Lacap, slumped over in the driver’s seat. Deputies forced entry into the vehicle and discovered Lacap had been shot. Paramedics responded to the scene and Lacap was pronounced deceased.

A radio broadcast containing a description of the suspect vehicle was relayed to surrounding law enforcement agencies. A short time later, an officer from the California Highway Patrol attempted to conduct an enforcement stop on the suspect vehicle, in the Town of Yucca Valley. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and a traffic pursuit ensued, involving law enforcement officers from the California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The traffic pursuit continued onto the I-10 Freeway, toward the city of San Bernardino. The pursuit terminated in the area of Hospitality Lane and Carnegie Lane in the city of San Bernardino. At the conclusion of the pursuit, both suspects exited their vehicle and began firing weapons at the pursuing officers. One California Highway Patrol Officer was struck in the leg by a suspect’s gunfire. Officers returned fire, striking both suspects. One suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other suspect was transported to a nearby hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. The injured officer was also transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released.

Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives determined Lacap was likely the victim of an attempted carjacking or armed robbery. Lacap may have attempted to flee the scene and he was shot by one of the suspects. Detectives are currently investigating tips regarding the involvement of both suspects in other serious crimes prior to the carjacking and subsequent officer involved shooting. The murder and officer involved shooting investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detectives Joseph Steers or William Doemner at (909) 387-3589. Supervising investigators, Sergeant Chris Fisher or Sergeant Trevis Newport can also be contacted at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline or at www.wetip.com.”