Two arrested after shots fired on 118 Freeway

MISSION HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man and a woman were arrested late Tuesday after they allegedly fired off several rounds from a moving car on the 118 Freeway - in view of an off-duty deputy who happened to be driving by, officials said.

The westbound 118 was fully closed off around 10 p.m. while deputies searched for bullet casings, creating lengthy backups for late-night drivers.

Officials said the incident began around 8 p.m. when an off-duty Los Angeles sheriff's deputy in a patrol car noticed a muzzle flash from a car ahead of him on the westbound 118.

He requested backup and officers pulled over the car off the freeway in the 800 block of Gloria Avenue in North Hills. They found two men and two women inside.

Officials said one of the passengers admitted throwing the gun out of the car when they realized a patrol car was following them.

A male passenger was arrested for allegedly firing the gun into the brush at the side of the freeway. A woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant and the vehicle was impounded.

The other two people were released.

The 118 was reopened by about 11:30 p.m.