Claudia Apolinar - W.I.N. Episode 33

Listen to Chief Owens and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Claudia Apolinar talk about the details of her ambush.

On July 12, 2019, Deputy Apolinar graduated from Los Angeles County Academy Class 437 and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff. Her initial assignment was at the Century Regional Detention Facility. After spending only six months in a custody assignment, Deputy Apolinar transferred to patrol and was assigned to the Transit Services Bureau. The bureau is responsible for patrolling Metro bus ways, railways, and stations and spans throughout most of Los Angeles County.

 On September 12, 2020, Deputy Apolinar was with her partner in a patrol vehicle at the Martin Luther King Transit Center in Compton. They had just completed their routine patrol of the area when a lone gunman fired several shots into their vehicle. The rounds struck both deputies in the head, torso, and arms. Deputy Apolinar was severely wounded in the face.

 Despite severe injuries to her face and arm, Deputy Apolinar was able to communicate via her service radio, and directed backup personnel to their location and indicated the suspect had fled the scene. Deputy Apolinar assisted her partner out of the vehicle and both took cover. Her partner had been struck in the arm and head but she was able to render aid despite being severely injured herself.  Together, they maintained a strategic position until back up arrived.

 Deputy Apolinar displayed incredible courage and resiliency in the face of danger.