One of the officers shot in Visalia Thursday is out of the hospital and the other is in stable condition.
This is the third officer involved shooting this year alone and first time an officer was hurt as a result within the last 15 years.
"Our officer involved shootings are up, they have been significant just since I've been the chief here since 08," said Visalia Police Chief, Colleen Mestas.
Two Visalia police officers on patrol Thursday afternoon were gunned down. Investigators say gang member Luis Avilez did the shooting. Another gang member was taken into custody at the scene. One officer is still in serious condition and the other has been released from the hospital. The shootings are taking a toll at the top.
"Especially when you're the head of the agency, you just can't sleep at night," said Chief Mestas.
Both officers were hit in the shoulder and they returned fire and hit Avilez back.
Chief Mestas doesn't believe prison realignment, which has put more felons on California streets contributed to the shootings, but only time will tell.
"I'm just not comfortable saying that it's absolutely related to 109, but as we move forward in this process of the roll out we definitely can depict a clearer picture," said Chief Mestas.
The Tulare County Sheriff's Department is investigating the shooting. Avilez is being charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. Chief Mestas is hoping for the best but planning for the worst.
"If this is the type of violence that obviously in the last six months has been occurring here, we're going to tryto pre-plan for it," said Chief Mestas.
Both of the injured officers are expected to make a full recovery and be back on the job within a month or two.