Raymundo Duran, a documented gang member with a violent criminal history, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in the ambush shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Samuel Aispuro. The incident took place at the intersection of Barranca Street and East Garvey Avenue in West Covina.
Authorities revealed that if the bullet fired by Duran had struck just one inch higher, it would have bypassed Deputy Aispuro’s protective vest and potentially resulted in a fatal outcome. Deputy Aispuro, 43, managed to radio for help after being shot, leading to an extensive manhunt for the assailant.
Raymundo Duran, 47, was apprehended by California Highway Patrol officers on Monday evening at a San Onofre inspection point on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a loaded firearm. On Wednesday, District Attorney George Gascón announced that Duran would face charges of attempted first-degree murder on a police officer, assault on a police officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and the special allegation of intentional use of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Sheriff Robert Luna, during a news conference, described Duran as a dangerous individual with an extensive criminal record. Duran had previously served time for incidents in 2019 and 2022. In 2001, he was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter the following year, receiving an 11-year prison sentence. Duran’s criminal history also includes charges of possession of a firearm by a narcotics addict and possession of ammunition.
Investigators connected Duran to the shooting of Deputy Aispuro after initially booking him as a suspected drunk driver. Evidence such as witness statements, security camera footage, and the firearm recovered by the California Highway Patrol led detectives to strongly believe Duran was the perpetrator.
Duran is currently held in the San Diego County jail with bail set at just over $1 million. The weapon recovered by authorities is undergoing forensic testing for further evidence.
Deputy Samuel Aispuro, a married father of two, has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home with his family. Sheriff Luna emphasized that Aispuro’s bulletproof vest played a crucial role in saving his life.
