LOS ANGELES (KNX) — An off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer was shot and killed Monday night in an attempted robbery, according to officials. Three suspects seen getting away in a black pickup truck remain at large.
The shooting happened around 9 p.m. near the Beach and 87th Streets in the Florence-Firestone area of South L.A. as the officer and his girlfriend were reportedly looking at a house for sale. Investigators with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said three men ran up on them and shots were fired by the off-duty officer and at least one of the suspects
Upon responding to 911 calls, officers immediately realized the injured man was an officer and drove him to the hospital in their patrol unit, according to KTLA. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, Calif. where he later died of his injuries.
"Today we grieve the loss of a young officer who was murdered while off duty," LAPD said in statement Tuesday morning.
"As we mourn his tragic loss, we ask that you keep his family and partners in your thoughts and prayers."
LAPD and the LASD Homicide Bureau have notified the officer's family and connected them with crisis counselors, but have not yet released his name. The only information the departments have released is that he is a younger member of the department.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said investigators recovered two guns at the scene, the officer's handgun and a firearm believed to have been used by one of the suspect's in the shooting.
"We know that we need the community's help, but we also have every faith and confidence that we'll be identifying the person or persons responsible for this terrible act and this grievous loss," Moore said during a press conference.
Investigators remained at the shooting scene as of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to sweep the area for evidence. They plan to interview the girlfriend of the officer later in the day, according to City News Service.
Monday night the union representing LAPD officers shared a statement about the loss.
"Tonight, we mourn the loss of one of our officers who was shot and killed in an armed robbery attempt. The officer was off-duty," the Los Angeles Police Protective League tweeted.
"We pray for the officer’s family and their fellow officers during this time of pain and sorrow. This is an active investigation. More info to follow."
Following the officer's death, a procession was held to carry his body from the hospital to the coroner's office.
This is a developing story. KNX will continue to update as details become available.
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