BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK - KBFX) -- The Blue Alert is still active for the suspect who shot at a CHP officer and wounded him Monday night on Highway 178 near Lake Isabella. Investigators have released a computer generated composite sketch of the suspect who was a left rear-passenger in the SUV.
Investigators believe there were three people in the SUV, including the driver. Descriptions of the driver and shooter have been released. With the computer generated composite sketch of the shooter released Tuesday.
The suspected shooter is described as a Hispanic male, muscular build in his 20s wearing a light colored tank top. A similar description was offered for the SUV's driver, only he was wearing a white cowboy hat and a button-up shirt.
The officer was on the westbound shoulder of State Route 178 late Monday night monitoring traffic with his radar unit. The SUV slowed and made a U-turn after passing the officer according to investigators. As the SUV passed, the left rear passenger fired several shots at the officer. The officer returned fire and was struck on his left hand and chest. He was wearing a bullet proof vest and his injuries were described as non-life threatening.
The suspect's weapon was a 9mm automatic handgun, possibly a MAC 10 type according to the CA Dept. of Transportation.
The SUV is believed to be a dark blue Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. It had 24-inch chrome rims and low profile tires. The SUV's rear left cargo window was shot out and possibly has bullet holes on the left side.
