Machete-wielding suspect shot by police outside UCI Health in Los Alamitos
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - A shirtless man armed with a machete was critically wounded in a shooting involving police outside UCI Health in Los Alamitos on Wednesday morning.
The incident, which stemmed from a road-rage dispute with an emergency vehicle, prompted an immediate lockdown at the medical facility as law enforcement secured the area.
What we know:
Just after 10 a.m., Long Beach police officers responded to reports of a possible DUI and road-rage incident impacting a Long Beach Fire Department paramedic vehicle that was actively transporting a patient.
Officers located the suspect vehicle in the 3700 block of Katella Avenue, prompting a pursuit. The driver eventually ditched the vehicle and ran away, authorities said.
Police shooting outside UCI Health - Los Alamitos
The incident began after a road-rage pursuit involving a paramedic vehicle and led to a hospital lockdown, though no patients or staff were injured.
Shortly before midday, a shooting involving Los Alamitos police occurred near Cherry Street and Katella Avenue outside the medical center, according to authorities.
The shirtless suspect, who was allegedly wielding a machete, was shot and critically injured by police.
No LBPD personnel fired weapons during the encounter.
The medical facility was immediately placed on lockdown as a safety precaution, and SkyFOX video footage captured multiple patrol vehicles and officers surrounding the perimeter.
No injuries to officers, hospital staff, or patients were reported.
What we don't know:
The suspect's identity and current medical condition are unknown.
Investigators have not yet determined what triggered the initial road-rage incident with the paramedic vehicle.
What they're saying:
"Caring for patients is our top priority at UCI Health — Los Alamitos. We are actively monitoring police activity in the area. UCI Health co-workers and patients are safe. Patient care remains uninterrupted," UCI Health said in a statement.
What's next:
The Orange County District Attorney's Office will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The Source: This report is based on official statements from the Long Beach Police Department, real-time safety updates issued by UCI Health - Los Alamitos, and aerial video coverage provided by SkyFOX. Additional oversight details were confirmed through information directed to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.