Suspect, agent injured when gunfire erupts during federal operation

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) - A U.S. Marshal and a suspect -- a man known for posting videos of South Los Angeles law enforcement and fire department activity on TikTok -- were shot and wounded today during a federal law enforcement traffic stop south of downtown.

The shooting was reported about 8:50 a.m. in the 400 block of East 20th Street, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Public Affairs Officer Luis Alani.

According to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service, the marshal was wounded while attempting to take a suspect into custody who was wanted on suspicion of entering the country illegally.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the confrontation involved "an illegal alien who had previously escaped from custody" and who "attempted to evade arrest yet again."  

"ICE law enforcement officers, assisted by U.S. Marshals, pulled the illegal alien over in a standard law enforcement procedure,'' McLaughlin said. "The illegal alien weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee. Fearing for the safety of the public and law enforcement, our officers followed their training and fired defensive shots. The illegal alien was shot in the elbow and one law enforcement officer was shot in the hand by a ricochet bullet. Both are in the hospital."  

A statement from the U.S. Marshals Service said the marshal was in stable condition.  

The suspect also sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the Los Angeles Times reported.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli identified the suspect as Carlitos Ricardo Parias, describing him in a social media post as a "44-year-old illegal alien from Mexico living in South Los Angeles.'' Parias is better known as Richard LA, who has nearly 132,000 followers on TikTok and regularly posts videos documenting police and fire incidents in South Los Angeles.   

Essayli said Parias is expected to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday to face a charge of assault on a federal officer, which could carry up to eight years in federal prison.

According to Essayli, Parias allegedly rammed his car into those of federal agents, who had boxed  him in during a Tuesday morning arrest attempt.   

"Parias, who had previously avoided capture by immigration authorities, refused to comply with agents' orders and escalated what could have been a simple arrest into a life-threatening situation,'' Essayli wrote. "Parias rammed a Toyota Camry into the law enforcement vehicles in front of and behind him, spun the Camry's tires, spewing smoke and debris into the air, causing the car to fishtail and causing agents to worry for their safety. An agent breaking the Camry's driver's side window was not enough to subdue Parias.   

"Ultimately, an agent opened fire, wounding Parias and a deputy U.S. marshal, who was hit with a ricochet bullet. Fortunately, both the deputy marshal and Parias are expected to recover.''

Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr.'s office previously honored Richard LA for his work in the community.   

"Richard is a pillar of our community, a fearless citizen journalist whose authentic storytelling has consistently uplifted the unheard voices of South Central Los Angeles,'' according to a social media post by Price's office. "His unfiltered portrayal of real life has fostered a loyal following, both on TikTok and throughout our city. Richard LA exemplifies what it means to serve your community with courage and heart. ... We stand in solidarity with Richard and his family during this difficult time."

Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, a spokeswoman for Price, told City News Service that Price's chief of staff, Jose Ugarte, went to the hospital where the suspect was being treated and spoke to Richard LA's son, who confirmed that his father had been shot. An attorney representing Richard LA's family confirmed to reporters at the hospital that he was the person shot in the confrontation.

Federal agencies, including the FBI, and the LAPD were investigating the shooting.