Female LAPD Officer Shot Point-Blank In Disturbing Video

On Monday, the Los Angeles Police department (LAPD) released the footage of a female police officer being shot point-blank by a gang member during a traffic stop. After the man injured the officer, he was fatally shot down by her partner.

The incident in question unfolded on July 27, when Richard Mendoza, 32, a gang member who was on probation, pulled out a 380-caliber handgun and shot the police officer, who was standing inches away from him, Los Angeles Times reported.

The identity of the female officer was not released as she qualified for “confidentiality protection as a victim of a violent crime.” Her partner — a male police officer — was identified by LAPD Capt. Patricia Sandoval as Miguel Alarcon of the Mission Division.

Warning: The following video might be disturbing for some readers:

In the video, Mendoza was seen getting pulled over on Noble Avenue in North Hills at about 10:15 p.m. local time (1:15 a.m. EDT, July 28 ). The female officer and her partner approached the suspect’s vehicle from either sides.

By the manner in which the conversation began as the female officer walked up to the driver’s side — occupied by Mendoza — it is apparent that she knew the suspect. "Haven't seen you in a while," she asked Mendoza. "You still on probation?"

Mendoza replied in the affirmative, informing her that he was going to get discharged after nine months. After that, the female officer ordered Mendoza to get out of the vehicle, adding, “You don't have anything on you, right?"

Mendoza — who till then had his hands up and clearly visible, as seen in the bodycam footage of Alarcon — took a step toward the female officer as soon as the driver’s door was opened, drew out his handgun, and pointed it at her.

Footage from the female officer’s bodycam showed that the barrel of the gun was pointed directly at her chest. Mendoza proceeded to fire the gun at close range before she could react, making her recoil and fall back. She was heard screaming in pain.

As he swiveled around to shoot Alarcon over the roof of the car, the latter ducked and shot at Mendoza. Then the male officer made his way around the car, approached the man and shot him a second time.

After radioing in for urgent medical services and checking on his partner’s condition, Alarcon handcuffed Mendoza, who was shot in the torso and head.

Though both the female officer and Mendoza were transported to the hospital, the man died of his injuries.

“By the grace of God she is alive,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said Monday. “Officers are fearful in these situations and the public here gets to see why. Once a person has you in that position it is very tough. You cannot stop that first one or two shots.”