Los Angeles County authorities say a police officer shot to death in the parking lot of Downey police headquarters was apparently targeted.
Sheriff's Lt. John Corina says Officer Ricardo Galvez was in the driver's seat of his personal vehicle when two suspects ran up and opened fire late Wednesday. The five-year department veteran died in the car.
Another officer heard the gunshots and pursued the suspects, who drove off into the neighboring city of Montebello. Authorities didn't say whether they believed Galvez was targeted for personal reasons or because of his profession.
A large perimeter has been set up and several apartment buildings have been evacuated as SWAT officers sweep the area.
The department said a number of people have been detained.
Downey Police Chief Carl Charles praised Galvez's professionalism and said the officer loved serving the city.
Deputy Guillermina Saldana says the officer was found late Wednesday.
She said early Thursday that police in the neighboring city of Montebello are conducting a search for at least one suspect.
A large perimeter has been set up and several apartment buildings have been evacuated as SWAT officers sweep the area.
The officer has not been identified.
Downey is a city of about 110,000 residents 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
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