Updated Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8:33 p.m. EDT: Sergeant Steve Owen, a 29-year veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, has died as a result of his injuries, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Earlier:
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant has been gravely wounded after being shot in the face Wednesday afternoon in Lancaster, Calif., 70 miles north of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Times reports that a massive manhunt was triggered after gunshots were reported around 12:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of Avenue J-7, about a mile north of Antelope Valley College.
A man was seen running through the backyard of a residence and was taken into custody shortly after 2 p.m. It has not been confirmed whether he is the gunman.
After the shooting was reported, sheriff’s deputies established a perimeter as they searched for the suspect. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau also provided support.
Reports initially said that two sheriff’s deputies had been shot and wounded, but that count was later changed to one.
The unnamed sheriff’s sergeant was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital and listed in grave condition. Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told the Times that the sergeant had been shot in the face. He did not name the officer.
Students at Antelope Valley College reported hearing the gunshots, and the college issued a shelter-in-place order. Students were advised to avoid the area and wait for further instructions. Other schools in the area were also locked down.