A Los Angeles police officer was treated at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center for a gunshot wound he sustained during a shootout in Watts Monday night.

The incident took place at about 11:00PM at 112th and Antwerp streets, said Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Norma Eisenman.

Police were patrolling a housing project when they saw a gathering of people, Eisenman said. While they were dispersing the group, one person began to run.

“The suspect produced a handgun and exchanged shots with the officer,” she said.

Eisenman said gunshots were exchanged as the chase continued and the suspect and officer were shot. A gun was recovered at the scene, police said.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck visited the officer at the hospital and wrote on his Twitter page “I’m in awe of the courage displayed,” adding that the officer is “expected to make a full recovery and [is] in good spirits.”

Richard Risher, 18, of Apple Valley, died at the scene. Authorities said he was the only suspect.

City News Service contributed to this report. 

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