Crime & Safety

Man who Shot at Police Monday Charged with Attempted Murder

Cliff A. Gershowitz was convicted in 2005 of assault on a peace officer. On Monday, he opened fire on LAPD in Reseda.

A man who allegedly opened fire on two Los Angeles police officers in Reseda was charged today with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cliff A. Gershowitz, 50, was scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Van Nuys Superior Court on three counts of attempted murder, including two involving police officers, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The criminal complaint alleges that Gershowitz personally discharged a handgun and caused great bodily injury.

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Gershowitz -- who was convicted in 2005 of assault on a peace officer -- allegedly shot a male acquaintance during an argument shortly after 9:30 a.m. Monday in the 7100 block of Yolanda Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Officers responding to the assault call were directed by neighbors to the fleeing suspect, who had a pit bull with him, police said.

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Gershowitz allegedly opened fire on the officers after they confronted him, and one of the lawmen was struck in the arm. The officer was treated at a hospital and released.

Police said the officers did not fire any shots at Gershowitz, who was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery/Homicide Division.

Prosecutors were asking that his bail be set at just over $4 million.

--City News Service


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