Long Beach police closed much of the area surrounding the Pike Outlets in search of a person who possibly fired a gun into the air. No gunshot victims were reported, police said.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. Saturday at 151 Pine Ave. Police said officers were dispatched to the Pike Outlets to disperse a group of people that gathered in the area.
A large fight broke out outside of a business near Bay Street and Aquarium Way, and a person was pistol whipped during the altercation, according to LBPD spokesman Rudy Garcia. Police said the victim and the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
@LBPD patrol officers are investigating reports of a “shots fired” call in the area of the Pike Outlets. Due to the large crowds we will have a large presence in the area. If you have any information please contact LBPD Communications at (562) 435-6711. #LBPD
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) September 20, 2020
While they were continued investigating the altercation, officers heard gunshots in the area, according to police. Bullet casings were located, and police detained some individuals. Their involvement in the incident is being investigated, Garcia said.
Police taped off a large perimeter and helicopters swirled overhead. Officers urged the public to avoid the area.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with more information from police.
