By Brian Hews
Los Angeles County Sheriff officials are seeking a married couple, Darnell and Tania Washington for shooting and wounded one of their fellow deputies with a shotgun Sunday morning.
Details of the incident unfolded throughout the day on the Sunday of the three-day Labor Day holiday shortly before 9:00AM when a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to Temple Sheriff’s Station approached a suspicious vehicle in the City of South El Monte.
Both are believed to be part of a violent crime spree that has gripped at least two counties in Southern California.
On Sunday, suspect Darnell Washington allegedly emerged from the rear of the vehicle. A deputy involved shooting occurred and gunfire was exchanged. The deputy was shot by the suspect with a shotgun.
The deputy, whose name has not been released to the media, was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released from a hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Both Suspect Darnell Washington and Suspect Tania Washington fled the location after carjacking a vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the suspects abandoned the stolen vehicle in the City of South Gate and carjacked another vehicle, a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, light blue, CA License #3PHK484. The Plymouth Voyager has not been recovered.
Both suspects remain at large and are considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you see the suspects or vehicle call 9-1-1. Please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Homicide Bureau if located or apprehended.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying any other possible victims and/or witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Schoonmaker or Detective Alvarado, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org