[Headline has been changed to reflect story updates. Original story below.]

UPDATED TUESDAY 2:30PM | According to an official press release from the Long Beach Police Department, the incident Monday night occurred when officers were dispatched to the area of 8th Street and Maine Avenue for a call about a group of possible gang members loitering at the location.

Upon arrival, an officer was making contact with one of the Male Hispanic subjects when he ran from the officer.  The officer chased the subject.  During the foot pursuit, the suspect began firing rounds from a handgun at the officer.  The officer returned fire and the suspect fled into the neighborhood.  The officer was not injured and its unknown if the suspect was struck by the gunfire.

Detectives currently have no leads in the case and are asking for the public’s help. They hope someone will come forward and provide them with information on the suspect’s identity.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans or Todd Johnson at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

UPDATED TUESDAY 9:32AM | As of 6AM Tuesday morning, the perimeter in the area of 8th and Maine has been lifted and the suspect is still at large. Long Beach Police Department is maintaining an increased presence in the area.

ORIGINAL MONDAY 7:36PM | At approximately 6:30PM Monday night, an officer-involved shooting was reported in the area of 8th St. and Magnolia Ave., only a few blocks from a possibly gang-related shooting last week that left one dead and one injured. 

Preliminary information indicates that the incident began when officers responded to the area of 8th St. and Maine Ave. and became involved in a foot pursuit with a suspect. A witness reports that between the suspect fired several shots at a female officer between 7th St. and 8th St. and Magnolia Ave.

The officer was not hit and the suspect fled the scene, prompting a closure of the surrounding neighborhood and the evacuation of houses near the intersection of 8th St. and Maine Ave. SWAT team was also called in and is currently searching for the suspect. As of 8:25PM, however, the suspect is still at large.

This story is currently in progress. We will post updates as we receive them. 

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