Suspect identified after two police officers were injured in shooting in South LA

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Hours later, a suspect was found and arrested shootout in South Los Angeles Two police officers were injured, authorities said.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Nija Hill was taken into custody around 1 a.m. Saturday.

LAPD officers responded to a report of an armed robbery near the intersection of East 92nd Street and South Central Avenue at 9 p.m. Friday, officials said.

Police said Hill pistol-whipped two victims in an alley next to a laundromat located near the 9200 block of South Central Avenue.

Hill then entered the laundromat and threatened several other people, according to police. The suspect then went outside where he again threatened several vendors with the firearm, police said.

The laundromat was evacuated and video showed customers running in different directions, some carrying their clothes.

When officers arrived on scene, they saw Hill standing on the sidewalk outside the laundromat and he immediately took off.

During the foot chase, the suspect opened fire, hitting both officers, the LAPD said. Police set up a perimeter and called a SWAT team.

At that point, Hill apparently tried to carjack someone near 93rd Street and Clovis Avenue, but was unsuccessful, according to police.

Shortly thereafter, officers found Hill with a leg injury hiding in a vehicle just steps from the scene.

He was sent to a hospital where he was treated for his wound and cleared for booking.

The two officers were released from hospital on Saturday morning after being treated for minor injuries. Another person, possibly a victim of the robbery, suffered forehead injuries.

Police initially said a second suspect was at large, but later retracted that statement.

According to police, a Glock Model 17.9mm, semi-automatic firearm and an empty magazine were found in a trash bin near 93rd Street and Clovis Avenue.

Officers also found nine fired 9mm rounds near where the officers were shot.

Police said the gun, magazine and shell casings were processed and booked into evidence.

The incident is still under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.