North Hollywood shootout: 2 dead after shots fired at LAPD officers

LOS ANGELES - A shooting victim and shooting suspect are dead after shots were fired at Los Angeles Police Department officers early Monday morning in North Hollywood.

Officers were called to the 1200 block of Victory Boulevard around 4:50 a.m. following a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a man armed with a gun who began running away and led officers on a foot pursuit.

LAPD spokesperson Meghan Aguilar said at that point, the suspect pointed his gun at officers, and they returned fire. After the shooting, the suspect ran away on Bellingham Avenue when officers requested backup. 

The suspect then ran into a large parking garage in a shopping area at the corner of St Claire Avenue and Hamlin Street where, once again, investigators said the suspect exchanged gunfire with officers. 

When the alleged gunman attempted to evade officers for the third time, the suspect was struck by police gunfire. Paramedics were called to the scene, and the suspect was declared dead.

The alleged gunman was identified by the LAPD as 37-year-old Sean Griffin. 

A loaded firearm with one round in the chamber, along with two rounds in the magazine were located next to Griffin. The weapon was recovered and booked as evidence. 

Homicide investigators later determined Griffin shot into an occupied vehicle and struck and killed the shooting victim. The victim's name has not been released. 

The motive behind the first shooting is unclear.

No officers were hurt in the shooting.

Several road closures were in effect for hours during the initial stages of the investigation. 

The investigation is ongoing.