A Los Angeles police officer was shot seven times in a station house on Monday, United Press International reported.
The officer, whose name as not been released, was wearing a ballistic vest that was able to protect him during the shooting at the West Bureau Traffic lobby in Mid-City, authorities said.
"He is in great spirits," LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck told the Los Angeles Times. He described the officer as a "remarkable young man" who was "very, very lucky."
The officer was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is expected to fully recover.
"#LAPD hero is 7 yr veteran assigned to @LAPDWestTraffic Division, happened to be working the desk tonight. Saved his own life & his partner," Beck tweeted late Monday.
According to police, the incident occurred when a community meeting, with at least 35 attendees, was going on. An unidentified man walked into the lobby next to the meeting and began shooting.
The man fired multiple rounds at the officer, most of which hit his vest, except for one bullet which went through his arm, Cmdr. Dennis Kato told the Times.
Two officers returned fire at the suspect, who allegedly mentioned something about filing a complaint during the shooting, police said.
Kato said investigators are still trying to understand how things unfolded on Monday night.
"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."
Nearby resident Terrance Jones, 52, told the Times the police station has dealt with several problems before, including custody fights, scuffles, arguments, and car accidents.
Aside from Monday's frightening incident, Jones said he and his neighbors generally feel safe in their neighborhood.
