Suspect shot while trying to rob undercover deputies in Lancaster, LASD says

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect armed with a fake gun was shot after officials said he tried to rob undercover deputies in Lancaster Tuesday evening.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the shooting happened in the 1100 block of W. Avenue H-14 at about 5:45 p.m.

Deputies said the man approached the two deputies wearing a mask that concealed the lower half of his face and tapped on the window with what appeared to be a firearm.

Officials said the deputies, fearing for their life, fired at the suspect from inside their unmarked vehicle.

The suspect, who was struck several times, ran from the scene. Officials located him about a block away from where the shooting happened in the 45300 block of Kingtree Avenue.

The suspect, identified as a man in his 20s, was transported to a local hospital. Officials said the suspect underwent surgery Tuesday evening, but didn't have a listed condition.

Investigators said it was later determined the weapon was in fact a BB gun. No deputies were injured during the incident.

Deputies are trying to determine if the suspect was working alone or with other people. Officials canvassed the area Tuesday evening looking for potential accomplices.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this incident was encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.