Sheriff's deputy survives ambush at traffic light thanks to bulletproof vest

LOS ANGELES (TND) — A sheriff's deputy is lucky to be alive after he was allegedly ambushed at stop light in southern California.

The Los Angeles County sheriff's motorcycle deputy, Samuel Aispuro, was at a red light Monday afternoon when he was targeted in West Covina, a city in southern California, according to Sheriff Robert Luna.

"He was sitting on a marked black and white police motorcycle, in full uniform, and he was shot in the back," described Luna.

The sheriff credited Aispuro's bulletproof vest for saving his life.

Aispuro was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

"Based on the examination of his vest he was struck once," said Luna at a press briefing Monday.

Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office began an investigation into the shooting.

Hours later, 47-year-old Raymundo Duran was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving In San Diego County.

Luna said California High Patrol found a firearm in Duran's vehicle. The vehicle matched a description of the suspected shooter's vehicle and the weapon also matched the one used in the shooting.

"It was a lot of good detective work and coordination and communication and we started to connect all the dots," said Luna.

Duran, a known gang member, has an "extensive" and "very violent" criminal history.

Monday's shooting comes months after Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was shot and killed at a traffic light.

Luna voiced concern for his deputies.

"We should all be concerned that any individual would roll up and shoot one of us anywhere, specifically in the back," said Luna.

Aispuro is reportedly recovering at home after being released from the hospital.

Jail records showed Duran remains in custody in San Diego County on a $1,100,000 bond for drug and firearm possession charges.

Duran is expected in court on Thursday for an arraignment hearing.