HELP ARREST A CRIMINAL, COLLECT BIGGER CITY REWARD.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

With attacks against police officers and firefighters on the rise, the Los Angeles City Council called Wednesday for an increase in the reward it offers to arrest criminals.

``It is like the wild, wild West out there,'' Councilwoman Janice Hahn said. ``We have to send a message that we are here to help protect our officers.''

The proposal would increase the amount of rewards the city offers from $25,000 to $75,000 and was prompted by an incident early Wednesday in Watts. One officer was injured during a brief police pursuit in which gunfire was exchanged but no one was struck.

Officials said the chase began around 3:15 a.m. when police chased a car with three men, who tried to run away. Two men were arrested, and the third was being sought, Officer Adriana Sanchez said.

Police delayed the opening of two elementary schools in the area, and officials at the private Verbum Dei High School decided to close for the day.