Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said the incident began as a traffic stop on Olive Avenue near Jaye Street around 11:15 p.m. on Thursday. As the SUV came to a stop, the passenger jumped out and started running down Olive Avenue towards H Street.
Chief Kroutil said one officer chased the suspect nearly to H Street. At that point the suspect turned around, pulled out a hand gun, and opened fire on the officer -- hitting him in his lower right hip. The officer was able to return fire. The second officer also arrived at that time and also shot the suspect.
Chief Kroutil said the injured officer was in good spirits and is expected to be okay. He is recovering at the hospital.
The suspect, 29-year-old Ruben Carreles, was hit several times in his leg, arm and torso area. He is in critical condition, but is expected to survive.
Olive Avenue is closed from Jaye Street to H Street near Porterville High School.
