It began as a “routine” traffic stop on Interstate 580 in the Bay Area. On Saturday night two CHP officers spotted a white 2006 Toyota Tundra speeding and weaving across lane markers. As one of the officers approached the vehicle, the driver opened fire. A call for backup brought eight more CHP officers to the scene, who upon arrival returned fire for about 15 minutes. The suspect, Bryon Christopher Williams, was seriously wounded. Two CHP officers, who were treated for injuries caused from shattered glass, were later released from a hospital.

As more details emerge (reported in today's Oakland Tribune), authorities believe Williams, facing a third strike, may have been planning a violent crime spree even more serious than the gunfight with the CHP officers. Police said Williams was wearing body armor and was armed with a high-powered hunting rifle, a pistol and a shotgun at the time of the stop. Inside the suspect's truck, police also found a suspicious object that prompted investigators to call a bomb squad. The object was detonated Sunday without incident as I-580 was closed in both directions for several hours.

Williams, who’s had a long and violent criminal history, has been out of prison three years on federal parole. Adding to the potential charges the suspect faces is a new state law - one championed by LAPPL and other law enforcement organizations - that restricts the possession of body armor by violent felons in California.

We commend the CHP officers for their expertise and professionalism in removing a dangerous suspect from society. We are grateful that all of the officers involved are OK and can return to full duty following normal administrative reviews. There is little doubt that they likely prevented a major tragedy with the potential magnitude of which we are only now beginning to fully comprehend.