Suspect flees after off-duty police officer fires shots in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect fled after being fired upon by an off-duty officer during an altercation in Hollywood Wednesday morning, police said.

According to authorities, the officer was walking to catch the Red Line to work when he spotted the suspect. An altercation occurred, and the officer fired at least two shots.

It's not clear what the suspect was doing that caught the officer's attention.

An extensive search was launched that included SWAT officers, K-9 units and helicopters.

A firearm, believed to belong to the suspect, was recovered in the area. It's unknown if the suspect fired his weapon during the altercation. The officer was not injured.

The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the intersection of Van Ness and Franklin avenues, a block away from Cheremoya Avenue Elementary School.

No students were on campus when the shooting occurred, officials said. However, police shut down the school and redirected students to nearby Joseph Le Conte Middle School.

It was not clear if the suspect, who may have been wounded, was armed. He was described as being between 18 and 25 years old and wearing a blue sweatshirt.

Franklin Avenue to Hollywood Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue to Gower Street were blocked off as officers searched the area. Residents were told to stay inside.

The suspect was not found and all roads were reopened around 3 p.m.