A known gang member with a long violent criminal history, accused of shooting a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy, could have been prevented from committing the crime if not for what his election opponent describes as soft-on-crime policies by the region's top prosecutor.
Raymundo Duran, 47, allegedly shot Deputy Samuel Aispuro in the back while he was sitting on his marked sheriff's department motorcycle at a stoplight in West Covina, California. Duran has a history of violent crimes, including two felony assaults committed while serving an 11-year sentence for manslaughter.
Deputy Aispuro, a nearly 20-year veteran of the department, survived the unprovoked attack as he was wearing a bulletproof vest. In 2021, Duran was arrested after a car and foot chase, during which he was charged with hit-and-run, resisting arrest, and fleeing from a police officer.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, a Democrat, could have pursued imprisonment for Duran but instead agreed to probation as part of a plea deal, according to Gascón's election challenger. Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor running as an independent, criticized Gascón's handling of Duran's case, stating that Duran has a long history of violent acts and should have faced stricter consequences.
Gascón's progressive criminal justice policies have faced criticism from his own prosecutors, law enforcement, and elected officials. Deputy District Attorney Jason Lustig expressed demoralization among prosecutors due to the impact of these policies on public safety.
Duran, a four-time convicted felon with a 1996 domestic violence conviction, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2002 for manslaughter. During his prison term, he assaulted a guard and later stabbed another prisoner with a makeshift knife. Despite parole violations and subsequent arrests, Duran received reduced sentences through plea deals.
Following the shooting of Deputy Aispuro, Duran was arrested in San Diego County and charged with first-degree attempted murder of a peace officer, assault against a peace officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gascón pledged to prosecute Duran to the fullest extent of the law, emphasizing the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers encounter daily and the importance of holding violent offenders accountable for their actions.
