Deputy undergoes reconstructive surgery after being shot in the face
The Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who was shot in the face by an East L.A. gang member came out of sedation Thursday after the first of several planned surgeries to reconstruct his face, an official said.
Doctors initially feared that Deputy Mohamed Ahmed, 27, would lose an eye, but sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said surgeons are still hopeful.
Ahmed and his training officer were on patrol near Floral Drive and North Brannick Avenue on Tuesday night when they saw Nestor Torres, a 37-year-old parolee, parked in a red zone. The training officer recognized Torres, and as deputies got out of their cruiser, Torres got out of his car and fired at Ahmed, authorities said.
The training officer tried to wrestle the gun away from Torres, deflecting the weapon as it was pointed at his chest.
The officer fired at least two shots, fatally wounding Torres. Ahmed was rushed to a nearby hospital. On Wednesday night, doctors performed facial reconstruction surgery.
He is expected to be in the hospital “probably for a while,” Nishida said, as more facial reconstruction surgeries are performed.
“They are still trying to save his eye,” Nishida said. “He hasn’t lost his eye.”
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-- Robert Faturechi
EDITOR'S PICKS:
get well brother,were all praying for a full recovery MCJ.
Posted by: crazy legs | January 13, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Many many prayers from this Catholic community are with this officer. All too often the media widely promotes the misconception that Police should be supervised by the community. Grateful that this thug can no longer harm anyone. Wish the media and community were as persistent with exposing thugs as they are criticizing officers when they pull over someone.
Posted by: TPRECIADO | January 13, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Mr. Ahmed is a hero for going out every day and protecting the citizens of our county. May God help him to recover quickly, and keep his eyesight.
Posted by: Ellen | January 13, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Parollee, he was just trying to turn his life around. Build more prisons, seal the border. Because it is going to get worse.
Posted by: DavidPeoria | January 13, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Get well, and I pray for you, just protecting the city and this happens. I know you want to get back to being an officer, so I hope for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Mary | January 13, 2011 at 07:02 PM
That is great news..Best wishes to this brave young man!
Posted by: JSneezewell | January 13, 2011 at 07:06 PM
I don't like hearing these kinds of stories. However the good thing is that the Deputy is still alive. These people work hard everyday to keep us safe so I really appreciate the service. I will keep you in my prayer Mr. Ahmed
Posted by: Rambo | January 13, 2011 at 07:08 PM
What is with all the native born US officers now????
Posted by: Curious | January 13, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Deputy Ahmed, my thoughts are with you for a full and fast recovery. Thank you for your service. Much respect.
Posted by: lala63 | January 13, 2011 at 08:45 PM
I am really sad to see this, may Allah give him full recovery! From you American-Pakistani Muslim brother.
Posted by: Mohammed Ali Khan | January 14, 2011 at 07:51 AM
I sent many text messages to my friends about you my brother. Me and my friends duas-prayers are with you. YOu are my brother in Islam and a Proud America. I would do the same for this country. We need more Muslims like you to step up and show that we love USA.
Posted by: Mohammed Ali Khan | January 14, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Hang in there Deputy Ahmed & don't give up. Great they're trying to save your eye & hopefully all will go well for you. Thank you for your dedicated police service. Get Better Soon.
Posted by: LA | January 14, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Get well soon Deputy Ahmed. I'll pray and hope for your full recovery.
Posted by: Blue9 | January 14, 2011 at 12:29 PM
What I noticed is that there weren't many positive responsive comments for Mr. MCJ when the story broke out until his picture was posted. What did you think he'd be? A turbin-headed Muslim?
Posted by: Paul Espinoza | January 14, 2011 at 04:23 PM
People who grew up in the 60's or 70's have a term for what has been done to Deputy Ahmed.
"UNCOOL"
I think Deputy Ahmed has some issues but this is "uncool".
I think Deputy Ahmed is that rare individual who is basically "untrainable" under the Sheriff Baca system.
I had a person of Deputy Ahmed's character type assigned to work on my team when I was once a supervisor on a government project.
He was from Bangladesh.
He discovered that by starting early in the morning, say 6 - 7am was the key to
completing a a certain portion of the project that everybody was having trouble with. Once he finished his assignment he wanted to complete the early morning part for others, for the team.
He was the most productive member of the team. He was the most conservative member of the team when he submitted his time sheet.
When I would try to praise him for his exemplary work performance, he would just roll his head up and down and tell me:
"No sir, it is my job. I am just doing my job."
He was a guy that could be almost dead from malnutrition and if you said "
"I have to leave. I need you to watch over this grocery store and this bank vault. I will return later. not sure when."
If you were away much longer than planned , then upon return I am Sure that this guy would be in the same place as when you left. Dead from starvation, Still at his post. Not having touched a crumb or a penny.
That is why Ahmed is "untrainable".
He just doesn't get it. He will never get it.
If Ahmed had seen a fellow deputy or sergeant go into the property room who had forgotten to initial the sign-in sheet. then
...
The next morning that deputy would find Ahmed had come to his house the previous night, slept in the car, woken up at dawn and washed the car and mowed the lawn and swept the driveway. When the deputy opened his front door to leave for work.....there would be Ahmed with the clip board:
"Good Morning, Sir ... you forget to initial for the property room. I didn't want you to get in trouble."
Deputy Ahmed completed his initial assignment at the county jail in just two years. Record time.
They had to get him out of there. They couldn't keep him there any longer.
Deputy Ahmed doesn't understand. He doesn't get it.
He never will.
Posted by: diaper rash | January 15, 2011 at 04:06 PM
I wish the best for the officer. This goes to show you how things can get ugly quick out there. To be in law enforcement in LA is no joke.
Posted by: Smokey the Bear | January 30, 2011 at 07:37 AM