Nestor Torres. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

An East L.A. gang member out of prison on parole was identified Wednesday by sheriff's officials as the person who shot a deputy in the face.

Nestor Torres, 37, was on parole with prior felony convictions for shooting into an inhabited dwelling and possession of a firearm when he allegedly shot Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Mohamed Ahmed, 27, Tuesday night, authorities said.

Ahmed and his training officer were on a routine patrol near Floral Drive and North Brannick Avenue when they saw Torres and a woman inside a vehicle parked in the red zone.

The training officer recognized Torres, and as deputies got out of their cruiser, Torres got out of his car and allegedly fired at the officers, authorities said.

The training officer tried to wrestle the gun away from Torres, deflecting the weapon as it was pointed at his chest. The officer fired at least two shots, fatally wounding Torres.

The woman with Torres, who was unhurt, was questioned and released, police said.

Ahmed was sedated Wednesday in critical but stable condition, said Nicole Nishida, a sheriff's spokeswoman.

"Doctors are continually assessing his condition to make a decision on how to proceed," she said.

Ahmed's training officer, who suffered abrasions and bruises, was treated and released from the hospital.