According to LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith, the detectives were returning from a shift around 4:30 a.m. and were outside the station in their undercover vehicle, using a key card to enter a secure area. The suspect, who was on foot, opened fire from behind them and struck the vehicle multiple times. The officers returned fire, and the suspect fled.
Bullets grazed one of the officers in the head, and the other was shot in the hand. They were hospitalized and treated for non-life threatening injuries. They returned to the command post upon their release, according to Smith.
A reason for the shooting remains unknown. Police are hoping the officers, who are undercover burglary detectives, can identify their attacker.
"Anyone who is willing to do this and take on two armed police officers outside of a police station is obviously a very dangerous person," said Smith. "We want to do everything we can to get this individual in custody so we can keep our community safe."
The suspect was described as a black male, 30 to 35 years old, armed with a hand gun, wearing all black clothing, a black hat and black shoes.
At least three people have been detained and released.
The LAPD's city-wide tactical alert was reduced to a district alert. At one point, about 200 officers were on the scene. SWAT team members also went door-to-door.
The original perimeter was set up from Pico Boulevard on the north to Washington Boulevard on the south, from Redondo Boulevard on the west to Rimpau Boulevard on the east. Residents were asked to shelter in place, and drivers were asked to stay out of the area. Anyone leaving the perimeter was thoroughly searched.
Some residents were frustrated about the lockdown.
"[I'm] not getting paid, missing out on work," said resident James Thomas. "It's very frustrating."
A man was taken into custody following the shooting after he was found nearby acting unruly; however it was believed that he was not the suspect.
