LAPD shooting: Community meeting at station when gunfire erupted
A community meeting with several dozen people was underway in a room near the lobby where a man opened fire at a Police Department station and wounded an officer, authorities said Monday night.
The suspect, who was armed with a handgun, fired multiple rounds at the officer. Several of the bullets struck the officer’s ballistic vest, but one round went through his left arm, Cmdr. Dennis Kato said.
The suspect was wounded and in critical condition after two officers returned the gunfire inside the West Bureau Traffic lobby on Venice Boulevard near La Brea Avenue in Mid-City.
The suspect said something along the lines about having a complaint before he opened fire, police said.
The station is often quiet at night, but about 35 people were inside a room directly off the lobby when the gunman began firing, Kato said.
A bomb squad was at the station, which also houses the LAPD’s Wilshire Division, and was checking a vehicle that may have belonged to the shooter.
Kato said investigators were trying to piece together details on the suspect and how he traveled to the station.
“We don’t know who he is, where he came from,” Kato said. “We don’t even have a name on him at this point.”
Twitter: @LAJourno
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
