A Los Angeles Police Department officer allegedly shot and wounded a fellow officer during an off-duty camping trip in an unincorporated area of Apple Valley early Sunday, authorities said.
Deputies responded to the scene of the shooting near Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle area near Barstow, about 1:17 a.m., according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. They found a 48-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the upper body, who was flown to a hospital by helicopter for medical treatment.
Ismael Tamayo, a 44-year-old LAPD officer and Ontario resident, has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to sheriff’s officials and county booking records. Sheriff’s officials previously described the suspect as Ishmail Tamayo.
The circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation, sheriff’s officials said.
“Detectives learned three friends were camping and shooting guns at the OHV area over the weekend,” the sheriff’s department said in a written statement. “Early Sunday morning, for reasons still under investigation, (Ismael) Tamayo shot the victim, striking him in the upper body.”
The victim was expected to survive, officials said.
Sheriff’s deputies found Tamayo in the area and took him into custody, according to San Bernardino sheriff’s officials and LAPD officials. He had a gun with him at the time of his arrest.
All three people taking part in the camping and shooting trip were LAPD officers, the agency said in a written statement.
Tamayo was assigned to the LAPD’s Newton Division and holds the rank of Police Officer III, offiicials said.
The victim is also an officer, according to the LAPD. The third person was described as a supervisor.
LAPD internal investigators have launched an investigation, alongside the criminal investigation being carried out by San Bernardino sheriff’s detectives. “The Department is fully cooperating with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office in their criminal investigation,” according to the LAPD statement.
Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of both investigations, LAPD officials said.
“The events overnight culminating in the serious injury to our off-duty officer, apparently at the hands of another member of this Department, give me great concern,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said.
“I spoke earlier this morning with San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon, pledging our full support of their criminal investigation,” Moore said. “I am thankful our injured officer is in stable condition and expected to survive. I am committed to determining what and how this occurred.”
Bail for Tamayo was set at $1 million pending his initial appearance in San Bernardino County Superior Court, which was scheduled for Tuesday, records show.
Anyone with information can reach detectives at 909-387-3589. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call 800-782-7463 or visit www.wetip.com.
