Los Angeles authorities closed the 210 Freeway in both directions Friday afternoon following an officer-involved shooting that left one person dead, officials said.
The incident occurred on the heavily traveled artery that connects the San Gabriel Valley to the rest of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, causing significant traffic disruptions for commuters throughout the region.
Background
The Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene after receiving reports of an armed suspect in the area. Officials have not yet released the identity of the person who was shot, pending notification of family members.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as law enforcement vehicles flooded the area and investigators set up a command post near the freeway. Traffic was diverted onto surface streets, leading to severe backups throughout surrounding neighborhoods.
The Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department's Force Investigation Division has assumed oversight of the shooting investigation, per department protocol for officer-involved shootings. California Highway Patrol officers were also present at the scene assisting with traffic control and the ongoing probe.
Officials said body camera footage from responding officers may provide critical evidence as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. The investigation remains in its early stages, and no details about what prompted officers to open fire have been released.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has been notified of the shooting, as required under state law for officer-involved fatalities. Prosecutors will review the case once LAPD completes its internal investigation.
Key Takeaways
- The 210 Freeway was closed in both directions following an officer-involved shooting in Los Angeles
- One person was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot by police
- The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is leading the inquiry into the shooting
- Officials have not released the identity of the deceased or details about what prompted the shooting
What's Next
The LAPD is expected to provide an official update on the investigation once detectives have had an opportunity to interview witnesses and review evidence from the scene. The closure was expected to remain in effect for several hours as investigators processed the area.
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives.