Off-Duty Los Angeles Police Officer Shot Dead During Armed Robbery Attempt

An off-duty Los Angeles police officer has died after being shot during an attempted armed robbery, authorities said.

Deputies responded to the 8700 block of Beach Street in South Los Angeles after a shooting that took place at around 9:15 p.m. on Monday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

The sheriff's department said a black pickup truck had approached the victim, who was an off-duty officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, and several suspects exited the vehicle.

"An argument ensued and an officer-involved shooting occurred," the sheriff's department said in a news release. "The pickup drove away in an unknown direction."

Deputies who responded to the location transported the officer in a patrol car to a local hospital, where he died.

Authorities have not released the name of the officer. A spokesman for the LAPD told Newsweek that the investigation is being handled by the sheriff's department.

No arrests have been made. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the officer had exchanged gunfire with at least one of the suspects, according to NBC Los Angeles.

"We're very limited as to how much information we have, but we know that we need the community's help," Moore told reporters late on Monday night. "And we also have every faith and confidence that we'll identify the person or persons responsible for this terrible attack and this grievous loss."

A procession was held to escort the officer's body from St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood to the coroner's office early Tuesday morning. Officers and firefighters from multiple agencies lined the streets.

"Today we grieve the loss of a young officer who was murdered while off duty," the LAPD said on Twitter. "As we mourn his tragic loss, we ask that you keep his family and partners in your thoughts and prayers."

The Los Angeles police officers' union also paid tribute to the officer.

"Tonight, we mourn the loss of one of our officers who was shot & killed in an armed robbery attempt," the Los Angeles Police Protective League said on Twitter. "The officer was off-duty. We pray for the officer's family, and their fellow officers, during this time of pain and sorrow. This is an active investigation."

UPDATE 01/11/22 4:32 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include a new picture.

UPDATE 01/11/22 9:55 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information.

UPDATE 01/11/22 10:25 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information from the LAPD.