LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti was shot and paralyzed while patrolling with the Southwest Division's gang enforcement detail. Saturday, June 3, 2006, Officer Ripatti, 33, was shot critically by James McNeal, who had just robbed a gas station at gunpoint. Her partner, Officer Joe Meyer, 35, immediately returned fire and killed McNeal. One bullet went through Ripatti's arm, and the second one entered her chest near the armpit, above her ballistic vest. People around the world anxiously monitored Ripatti's struggle for life.
