One person is dead and three more were shot in Asuza, California, near a polling place earlier this afternoon.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Scroggin said police were dealing with at least one suspect who was heavily armed.
At least one of the victims was headed to the polling station to vote, a law enforcement source told The Times.
Officers arrived to find a man with a rifle. The gunman immediately fired at least 20 shots at police, said the source.
Authorities say the man fired more than 20 shots, which is strange because high-capacity magazines are illegal in CA.
Under a hail of gunfire, officers took cover and returned shots at the man, who retreated into a home in the 500 block of Fourth Street, said the source, who requested anonymity because the case was ongoing. No officers were injured in the shooting.
“This is a very volatile and critical situation,” Officer Jerry Willison of the Azusa Police Department said.
Roberto Chavez, 67, and his wife were sitting outside on their porch when they saw a heavily-armed man fire at least 10 rounds at group of people.
Police quickly responded, Chavez said. About 20 officers swarmed into the neighborhood in the 600 block of West Fourth Street, he said.
The gunman, who wore a white shirt and black pants, ran into a home about three doors down from Chavez’s house, he said.
Chavez said he recognized the man as someone who frequently visits and hangs out at his neighbor’s home. He didn’t know the man’s name. He said some of the victims appeared to be neighbors in the area.
Police told him to remain indoors because the gunman had barricaded himself inside a home.
Developing.
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