SHOTS have been fired inside
Crenshaw Mall in
Los Angeles, California and police are embroiled in a shootout with the suspect, it has been reported.
Officer responded to the scene at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles Police Officer Mike Lopez said.
A man was shot and killed at the scene, according to a news photographer at the location.
Another witness said the man was armed with a knife.
Police have acknowledged an officer-involved shooting happened but not that anyone was struck.
After they arrived on the scene, a police shooting occurred.
It is not clear if the suspect has been struck or how many individuals are involved.
Video has emerged of the mall apparently showing the scene.
Shots can be heard along with people screaming.
Aerial video from the scene shows a large police response and several patrol vehicles stationed outside various entrances.
There was also an ambulance outside the Sears and officers could be seen taping off the mall’s entrances.
Officers escorted patrons who were still inside the shopping centre out to the car park.
The incident was reported around 5.41pm local time (1.41am GMT).