Wounded Officer Is Recovering

A San Fernando police officer was recovering from leg and shoulder wounds a day after being shot by a suspected car thief, officials said Wednesday.

The man who shot Officer Carlos Gutierrez, 25, was killed by return fire from police, officials said. The Los Angeles coroner’s office identified him as Robert Contreras, 21, of San Fernando.

Gutierrez was in a Mission Hills hospital, where he was scheduled for more surgery, San Fernando Police Lt. Dan Peavy said.

The three-year veteran was shot early Tuesday as police chased four suspects who fled from a stolen truck that crashed into a Sepulveda Boulevard median, south of Chatsworth Street.

Police said Contreras hid behind a car and opened fire as Gutierrez approached. Gutierrez was among the officers who returned fire. Contreras collapsed as he tried to run and died in the driveway of a Halbrent Avenue home, police said.

Two juveniles were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of felony joy-riding after a witness led police to a San Fernando home. They will not be charged in connection with the shooting, Los Angeles Police Officer Jason Lee said.

A fourth suspect is still being sought, police said. All the suspects are believed to be gang members, officers said.