Polling Station In LA-Area On Lockdown In Response To Nearby Shooting

A polling station in Azusa, California, 30 miles outside of Los Angeles, is on lockdown after a shooting occurred nearby.

According to authorities and ABC 7, at least four people were wounded. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopter has transported them to a local hospital.

Two anonymous voters inside the Memorial Park North Recreation Center spoke to CNN about the incident.

A male voter said he was inside when he heard the shots fired. People then rushed from outside into the polling location before officials locked the doors.

He said that "a massive shooting is happening and the police have told us to stay indoors. We are currently on locked down."

The shots were not fired inside the polling station. The incident occurred in the area of West Fourth Street and Orange Avenue before 2:45 pm.

A female voter, who believes there are 30 people inside the location, said,

At first, I thought it was construction but people came running into the room saying they see a guy with a bulletproof vest and a white shirt. As of right now, they just have us in the voting room and are trying to keep us calm.

While people were allowed to vote while they waited, they were not permitted to leave the building. Officials are not updating the crowd to prevent alarming children that are present.

Sergeant Vincent Plair informed CNN that the LA County Sheriff's Department is assisting the Azusa Police Department with the officer-involved shooting.

According to the LA Times, at least one victim has died.

Officer Jerry Willison of the Azusa Police Department said,

This is a very volatile and critical situation.

Police are urging residents to stay away from the polling station and to find shelter.

LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan said,

Voters should avoid the area and, if necessary, cast a ballot at an alternate polling location.

Citations: One person killed, three wounded in shooting near LA-area polling station (CNN)