Officer Steve Jenkins, who is a highly decorated K-9 handler in the Metro division, was shot at around 2:15 a.m. Monday after officers responded some hours earlier to a domestic dispute in the 13600 block of Dronfield Avenue in Sylmar.
A 22-year veteran of the force, Officer Jenkins wife and son are also LAPD officers.
According to LAPD Chief, Charlie Beck, Jenkins was shot in the jaw and shoulder and has has undergone surgery and is in critical but guarded condition at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills.
As of Monday morning at around 8:30 am, residents in the area surrounding the standoff and shooting had been evacuated and the suspect was not yet in apprehended, although the wife of the suspect, who had originally made the call to police saying that her husband had beaten her, was out of the house and has been treated for injuries.
We in LA have a place in our hearts for all the men and women who protect and serve. And—speaking purely personally—a special place is reserved for those on the force who work with dogs as their partners. I’ve yet to meet one who was not a stellar individual.
“We appreciate everyone’s prayers and concern at this time for Officer Steve Jenkins who was shot early this morning,” said the LAPPL in a statement issued Monday morning. “He is in critical condition and his family members are with him. This unprovoked shooting is just another reminder that LAPD officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the safety and security of the Los Angeles residents.”
All possible good thoughts go out to Steve Jenkins for his recovery.
For more, check the LA Times’ L.A. Now where Andrew Blankstein and Catherine Saillant are doing ongoing updates.