Officer Shot in Face in Sylmar Released From Hospital

A 43-year-old Los Angeles police officer shot in the face and chest by a domestic violence suspect in Sylmar was released from the hospital Saturday—just in time to spend Easter with his family and fellow officers.

Officer Steven Jenkins, a 22-year Los Angeles Police Department veteran, was shot at about 2:15 a.m. April 4 as he and other officers approached a home in the 13600 block of Dronfield Avenue.

The shooting prompted a daylong standoff that was marked by exchanges of gunfire between the gunman and SWAT officers and ended when Sergio O. Salazar, 53, was found dead on the second-floor hallway of his home, a rifle near his body, police said.

The standoff began at 10:38 p.m. April 3 when Salazar's wife called police and reported he had beaten her. Jenkins was among the responding officers.

Jenkins, who has undergone several surgeries since the shooting, was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon, said LAPD Officer Gregory Baek.

"Steve and his family are extremely grateful to all of the medical personnel at both [Providence] Holy Cross Medical Center and the USC University Hospital, who were heroic in their own right as they provided critical care for Officer Jenkins,'' Baek said.

Police Chief Charlie Beck said the LAPD has made a substantial outreach effort and will continue to support Jenkins' wife and triplets "to make sure they are kept whole.'' Jenkins' wife and son are both LAPD officers.

Baek said members of the search team the night Jenkins was shot have remained by his side throughout the ensuing ordeal, along with his wife, and they were on hand to escort him today as he left the hospital.

"Today we are here to finish our call with Steve together, and we are going to get him home to his family,'' Lt. Bob Arcos said in a statement. "This is a great day for all of us. These officers risk it all everyday for our community and we are very grateful for the support Steve and his family have received."

At Providence Holy Cross, emergency room Dr. Bradley Roth said surgeons inserted a breathing tube to protect Jenkins' airway.

"Because the patient suffered a gunshot wound to his face, which went in on his right side and actually exited out his (lower jaw), that type of injury ... results usually in a possible airway emergency,'' Roth said.

A second bullet entered near Jenkins' left collarbone and exited his chest cavity, resulting in lung damage, rib fractures and blood-vessel damage, Roth said.

"Officer Jenkins has a long road of recovery ahead, but on this day he has one single mission—to spend a thankful Easter weekend at home surrounded by family and friends," Baek said.

City News Service contributed to this report.