LAPD officer opens fire after suspect points apparent handgun in Arleta, authorities say; 3 detained

ARLETA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Three people were detained Saturday morning after a shooting involving a Los Angeles police officer in Arleta, authorities said.

No one was struck by gunfire, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. An officer suffered a minor hand injury from a fall during the incident.

Officers were conducting a stolen vehicle investigation in the area of Hoyt Street and Canterbury Avenue at about 3 a.m. when saw three people on the sidewalk on Hoyt Street, the LAPD said in a series of tweets.

A man in the trio turned toward the officers and allegedly pointed what police said appeared to be a handgun in their direction. An officer shot at the man and all three people ran.

A large perimeter was established, and a SWAT team and K-9 unit responded to assist in a search of the area.

After more than a week of silence, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents LAPD officers, is defending the officers involved in three deadly arrests earlier this month.

All three people were later found, with two of the individuals suffering K-9 bites, the LAPD said. They were taken to a hospital for treatment.

At this time, the handgun the suspect was armed with has not been located," the LAPD said.