(May 21, 2003) -- A felony suspect wanted by L.A. Port police allegedly tried to run down four LBPD officers who were searching for him -- and found him -- in a WLB neighborhood near Silverado Park. The LBPD officers, in fear for their lives, fired numerous shots at the suspect, sending him to a local hospital.

LBPD says L.A. Port police contacted them on May 21 at roughly 1:12 a.m. regarding a suspect wanted by them for assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer that had just occurred in their jurisdiction. Using info provided by L.A. authorities, LBPD officers responded to the area of Caspian Ave. and 31st St. and were searching the area when they spotted the suspect's vehicle shortly before 2 a.m.

LBPD says the suspect allegedly accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed in the direction where the LBPD officers were standing...and four officers, fearing for their lives, fired numerous shots at the suspect, striking him multiple times.

LBPD took the suspect into custody and LBFD paramedics transported him to a local hospital. He was listed in critical but stable condition.

LBPD has arrested the suspect, 47 year-old Howard Leroy Thomas of LB, for assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer. He's being held on $100,000 bail.

LBPD is conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting which coincides with an independent investigation being conducted by the L.A. County D.A.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call LBPD Homicide Detectives Mark McGuire or Chris Cardoza at (562) 570-7244.