March 16--Two Los Angeles police officers were wounded by gunfire Sunday evening, prompting a massive search for the shooter, authorities said.
The officers were injured near the intersection of 65th Street and Broadway in the Florence neighborhood just before 6 p.m., Sgt. Cory Meisner said. Both have minor injuries.
Police are actively searching for a shooter in the neighborhood. Dozens of police cars are on scene and a perimeter has been extended several blocks around the area.
Det. Meghan Aguilar, an LAPD spokeswoman, said an initial report indicated there may be multiple suspects involved, but she emphasized that that was "extremely preliminary" information.
Junior Moore, 54, said he was eating at Hercules Burgers at the corner of Broadway and Gage Avenue when the gunfire erupted.
"I heard like 20 shots, and then a bunch of police sirens," Moore said.
Priscilla Gutierrez, 17, lives two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
She was on her way home from dinner with her mother and sister when they saw police tape blocking off their street.
Police told them it would be up to an eight-hour wait until they could return home.
The family was among about 50 residents clustered behind police tape at the intersection of Gage and Broadway.
Neighbors snapped photos as dozens of police cars arrived on scene and officers brought out SWAT gear, including long black rifles.
They watched as three large armored SWAT vehicles entered the crime scene.
Gutierrez, who moved to the neighborhood two weeks ago, said she has heard gunfire erupt in the blocks near her house multiple times since Friday.
"We've been hearing gunshots," she said. "We don't go outside."
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Twitter: @katemather
Updated
7:40 p.m. This post has been updated with new information.
7:55 p.m. This post has been updated with new information about residents who live in the area and heard the gunfire and commotion.
