Two undercover police detectives were shot at by an unidentified man outside of the Wilshire Division station Tuesday morning, officials said.
Los Angeles police have questioned and released 10 people but have yet to apprehend the gunman. Cmdr. Andy Smith said the undercover detectives did not recognize the shooter. According to reports, a manhunt ensued close to 4:30 a.m., when the gunman attacked detectives in an unmarked vehicle as they were waiting for the gate to open into the station parking lot. He then fled on foot.
The detectives reportedly suffered minor injuries from grazed bullets, shrapnel or glass. They are back on duty and working on the investigation.
"This was a blatant attempt to assassinate two of the people who protect this community," police Chief Charlie Beck said at a police commission meeting Tuesday morning.
The manhunt included 200 officers, a SWAT team and K-9 units from the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Authorities shut down 25 blocks around the substation near Venice Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Officers rolled down the street in armed vehicles, knocked on doors and thoroughly searched the area. Venice was expected to remain closed from La Brea to near San Vicente Boulevard. Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division and the Force Investigation Division are expected to continue the investigation.
According to the LA Times, Resident Anthony Ruiz, 11, sat on the back of his dad's pickup truck with his friend, Gustavo Ramirez, 10, to watch the police officers search.
"It's like a movie," Ruiz said. "It's a little scary because you don't know what's going to come next."
Dayana Vasquez, 19, told the LA Times that the lockdown forced her to miss a class at West L.A. Community College, but she appreciated the police presence.
"Seeing this, I feel secure that at least they're trying their best to find who did this," Vasquez said. "They're trying to make us feel protected. That's a good thing."
