June 18, 2026: Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Police Officers, Assault During Car Chase in Los Angeles

Marco Flores Cardenas faces multiple life sentences in prison if convicted as charged

LOS ANGELES - A 35-year-old man is facing multiple attempted murder and assault charges after he shot at Los Angeles police officers during a car chase, catching civilians in the crossfire.

"The consequences of this incident extend far beyond a single moment of violence. In an instant, a quiet community was transformed into a crime scene and battle zone. Bullets whizzing down the street terrorized neighbors, threatened responding officers, and struck one officer in the chest. But for the bullets hitting and deflecting off that officer's bullet-proof vest, that officer would be dead," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "Acts of violence that shake our community and jeopardize public safety demand accountability. Our Crimes Against Peace Officers Division will pursue this case vigorously and seek justice for those who were victimized by this individual's brazen and violent actions."

Marco Antonio Flores Cardenas (dob 2/18/91) is charged with four felony counts of attempted murder, six felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm upon a peace officer, three felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, one felony count of fleeing a pursuing peace officer's motor vehicle while driving recklessly and one felony count of possession of firearm by a felon with a prior.

It is further alleged that in the commission of the crime, Flores Cardenas personally and intentionally discharged a semiautomatic firearm.

An arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.

On June 9 at approximately 1:47 p.m., Los Angeles police officers from the Newton Division attempted to approach Flores Cardenas on McGarry Street near East 16^th Street in Los Angeles. Officers observed a firearm in Flores Cardenas' vehicle before he allegedly fled the scene resulting in a vehicle pursuit. He crashed his car into a fence near Camulos and Garnet streets in Boyle Heights, exited the vehicle and led officers on a foot pursuit. Flores Cardenas allegedly fired his weapon rapidly at officers, striking one of the officers in the chest area who was saved by his ballistic vest. Civilians caught in the crossfire were not injured. The incident was captured by body-worn cameras and various surveillance videos.

Flores Cardenas was shot by officers and is currently hospitalized.

If convicted as charged, Flores Cardenas faces multiple life sentences in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.