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Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood Saturday night.
Police responded to a neighborhood on the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue around 7:21 p.m. It’s unclear what occurred before the suspect opened fire.
Both officers were rushed to the Los Angeles General Medical Center for treatment. One officer was airlifted and the other was transported by ambulance, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
There are reports that the suspect, who was down on the sidewalk, fired at police with a rifle as they approached, striking the officers, while they returned gunfire, but police have yet to confirm this detail.
Video from witnesses showed at least two SWAT vehicles and many patrol cars surrounding a home with officers pointing firearms at an unseen suspect. Air units were also seen circling the neighborhood.
Alejandro Ramirez, who lives nearby, said he was stunned when he heard at least 10-20 gunshots being fired.
“I ran inside,” he said. “There were a lot of [shots].”
Surveillance video captured neighbors who were standing outside, with many who had gathered for parties or get-togethers, frantically running to safety as the gunfire was heard.
Another resident, whose car windshield was shattered by the gunfire, said he was shocked when he realized a shootout was happening on his street.
The officers’ conditions or the severity of their injuries were not released. A description of the suspect was not provided. There are reports that a second suspect may have been involved, but Baldwin Park police have not confirmed that detail.
Large crowds of neighbors and onlookers could be seen gathering near the crime scene. Law enforcement will remain in the residential neighborhood through the night and authorities have cordoned off nearby streets.
Details remain limited and it’s unclear whether the suspect was injured or taken into custody.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.