Dorner charged with murder, attempted murder of cops

Michael Winter and Donna Leinwand Leger, USA TODAY | USATODAY

California authorities filed formal charges Monday against former Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner in the murder of a police officer and the attempted murder of three other officers.

Dorner was charged with capital murder in the ambush of Riverside Officer Michael Crain, District Attorney Paul Zellerbach announced at a news conference. The charge carries two "special circumstances," which would make Dorner eligible for the death penalty if caught and convicted.

Dorner was also charged with three counts of attempted murder in the wounding of Crain's partner and two Los Angeles police officers in separate shootings early Thursday.

Zellerbach said the three officers were not being identified out of concern for the safety of their families.

"This individual, by both his words and conduct, has made it very clear to all of us that every law enforcement officer in Southern California is in danger of being shot or killed," Zellerbach said.

The LAPD has deployed 50 protection details to guard officers and their families who were deemed possible targets, Cmdr. Andrew Smith said.

Crain, 34, a former U.S. Marine and combat veteran, will be buried Wednesday.

Zellerbach reiterated the $1 million reward that Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Sunday for information leading to the arrest of Dorner, and the DA again asked for the public's help in catching him.

"There is strength in numbers. We need the help of the public," Zellerbach said. "We need all of the public's eyes and ears to assist law enforcement in apprehending this very dangerous individual."

The LAPD has received more than 1,000 tips, Villaraigosa told the PBS NewsHour on Monday evening.

Last week, Dorner, 33, a Navy veteran, was named as the primary suspect in the shooting deaths of Monica Quan, 28, and her fiancé, Keith Lawrence, 27, on Feb. 3. They were killed as they sat in their car in Irvine.

In an online manifesto, Dorner cites Quan's father as being involved in his firing from the Los Angeles Police Department in 2008. Dorner alleged that he was dismissed for reporting that his training officer used excessive force.

The manhunt has focused on Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains, where Dorner's burned-out truck was found with weapons and camping gear inside.

"This is not about catching a fugitive suspect, it's about preventing a future crime, most likely a murder," said LAPD Chief Charles Beck. "This is an act, make no mistake about it, of domestic terrorism."

The search around Big Bear has been scaled back. About 30 people were involved in the hunt, including San Bernardino County deputies, U.S. Forest Service rangers and U.S. Fish and Game officers, San Bernardino County sheriff's Capt. Tom Bradford told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

U.S. and Mexican authorities have tightened security on both sides of the border. A Baja California state police official told the Los Angeles Times that authorities believe Dorner is in California. "They don't think he had a chance to cross," he said.

The Transportation Security Administration urged pilots and aircraft operators to watch for stolen planes or suspicious passengers.

"It is believed that Dorner received flight training during his time in the U.S. Navy, but the extent of his potential flying skills is unknown," according to a notification. "While there is no specific information at this time that Dorner is considering using general aviation, TSA requests that operators use an increased level of awareness concerning any suspicious activity during the coming days."