(May 2, 2004) -- LBPD converged in force on an area near 49th St. and Elm Ave. shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday May 1 after two officers -- who'd spotted a van stolen from Lakewood -- approached on the vehicle on foot when the van allegedly accelerated forward, turned and drove toward the officers, knocking one to the ground and injuring his arm, while his partner, fearing for his safety, was forced to fire his duty weapon.

In a written release, LBPD Public Information Officer Sgt. David Marander says the suspect was not shot...and sped from the area. By roughly 10:00 p.m., the suspect was discovered taking refuge in the area of Elm Ave. and Pleasant Street.

As alleged in LBPD's release, "As officers approached the suspect, the suspect started running. The suspect swung a large jack handle and screwdriver as he ran toward as assisting officer. The suspect continued to resist as he was taken into custody. The suspect was unable to injure any other officers. The stolen van was found in the area of the suspect’s arrest."

The suspect, Jose Iniguez, 19, of LB, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run, resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer and the attempted murder of a police officer. As in all cases, the D.A. ultimately decides which charges are pursued.

LBPD asks anyone with information about these events to call LBPD Homicide Detectives Richard Birdsall or Chris Cardoza at (562) 570-7244.