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Man In Custody Following Officer-Involved Shooting In Whittier

WHITTIER (CBSLA.com) — Police called off a search for a possibly armed suspect on Tuesday after shots were fired during a traffic stop in Whittier.

Shortly before midnight, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle located in the 12500 block of Whittier Boulevard at Comstock Avenue, according to the Whittier Police Department.

A male passenger then got out of the car and pointed a handgun at the officer.

The officer then shot at the gunman, which prompted him to flee from the vehicle with the passenger.

The gunman fired at least two rounds back at the officer while running from the area.

No injuries were reported.

Two women located in the back of the vehicle were detained at the scene, officials added.

During a preliminary search of the area, a one-mile perimeter was set up from Lambert to Santa Fe Springs roads, to Whittier Boulevard and Greenleaf Avenue.

One of the suspects was located without a weapon and was subsequently taken into custody.

At this time, it remains unclear if he was the gunman.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was called to assist at the scene.

"We have officers canvassing the area door to door, and canine units trying to track him down to bring him into custody," said Officer John Scoggins.

Washington Boulevard and Santa Fe Springs Road remain closed for several hours.

Evergreen Elementary opened three hours late due to the officer-involved shooting, according to East Whittier School District Superintendent Mary Branca.

Despite their efforts, authorities were not able to locate the second suspect as he could be hiding anywhere.

Police warned residents to stay inside and to lock their doors and windows.

Anyone who may witness suspicious activity has been urged to call 911.

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