Fugitive US ex-cop may have fled to Mexico

US: Christopher Dorner, the embittered former US cop on the run since last week, was charged Monday with murder in California, as authorities said he may have fled south into Mexico.

The 33-year-old, who posted a chilling online manifesto threatening to kill policemen and their families over his 2008 sacking, was charged over the killing of officer Michael Crain, a 34-year-old father of two.

Dorner was also charged with three counts of attempted murder, for allegedly shooting at three other officers, said Paul Zellerbach, district attorney for Riverside County, east of Los Angeles. "The highest level of resources will continue to be expended in the effort to apprehend this fugitive," Zellerbach told reporters, adding: "We will bring him to justice. We're asking for the public's assistance finding him."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced that all city flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Crain, whose funeral will be held on Wednesday.

The LA Police Department (LAPD) and other law enforcement agencies in southern California have tightened security around their facilities since Dorner went on the run last week.

AFP