GRAPHIC VIDEO: LAPD broadcasts video showing officer shot at close range during roadside check

California authorities broadcast dramatic footage of an LAPD officer shot at close range during a roadside check.

(LAPD)

The Los Angeles Police Department released video footage of the July 28 shootout that occurred during a roadside check that killed an officer and killed the suspect.

The police officers seen in the video have not been identified and the events that led to the shooting have become commonplace. The policewoman – who approached the drivers' side – was working in the gang unit and apparently knew the suspect.

The policeman asked the driver to get out of the car. He could then be seen firing a .380 handgun and firing a few inches from the officer. He could be seen falling to the ground and his partner – who was on the side of the passengers – responded, fatally wounding 32-year-old Richard Mendoza, a gang member, according to Fox 11.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Mendoza had been repeatedly hit on the head by a torso and that he had died later in a nearby hospital.

The shooting took place at Mission Hills in the San Fernando Valley around 10:15 am, according to the report. The policewoman was hit in the leg. She is recovering, the police said.

The report states that the LAPD publishes videos of critical incidents.

"By the grace of God, she is alive," said Michel Moore, LAPD leader. "Officers are scared in these situations and the public sees why.

"Once a person has you in that position, it's very difficult," he said. "You can not stop the first or the first two shots."

Retired LAPD sergeant Mike Sayre told Fox 11 that the video is a good example of how quickly police must respond.

"So, that means you need to be able to identify a problem, react to it and neutralize it within 3 seconds – it's fast."