A Los Angeles Police officer has been injured after getting into a confrontation with an armed man during a traffic collision on Thursday in Granada Hills, according to multiple news reports.
With police authorities searching for the suspect around a San Fernando Valley neighborhood on Thursday afternoon, a perimeter has been set up around the area in an effort to locate the unidentified gunman who reportedly fled on foot and is carrying a deadly weapon, said LAPD spokesman Jack Richter.
"We had an officer down call where they asked for an ambulance," he said. "We do not know what the officer's responsibilities are. We don't know if it's a patrol officer or undercover."
At about 12:00 p.m. in the 10900 block of Haskell Avenue just north of the 118 Freeway, a suspect reportedly injured an officer by striking him with a vehicle in San Fernando Valley, NBC News reported. A red sport utility vehicle appeared to have crashed into a fence outside a house, an aerial video showed.
A source with the LAPD said the case involves an assault with a deadly weapon, possibly the SUV.
Following the incident, authorities responded to the scene around 12:05 p.m. after receiving a call of "officer needs help," Los Angeles Daily News reported. A modified tactical alert was also issued for officers in the San Fernando Valley area, meaning officers will remain on duty until given the all clear.
The victim, believed to be a narcotics officer, was transported to a local hospital by an ambulance. He is "conscious and breathing," Officer Jane Kim said, describing him to be in fair condition.
Currently, Porter Middle School, Kennedy High School and Danube and Haskell elementary schools have been placed on lockdown as a precaution during the ongoing search. Nearby streets in the neighborhood have also been closed down.
Additional details regarding the events that led to the emergency response remain unclear, CBS News reported.