Long Beach police officer hospitalized after shootout with suspect

The Long Beach Police Department alerted drivers to avoid Atlantic Avenue between 52nd Street and Market Street after an officer was shot along the roadway. 

The shooting happened around 5:45 p.m. after a 2.5 hour-standoff in the 5200 block of Atlantic Avenue. The officer was taken to a local hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the arm. Police did not release the officer's condition, but he has been released and is recovering at home.

Police said the standoff started at about 3:15 p.m., after receiving a report of a man with a gun. Officers tried to de-escalate the situation, even bringing in a hostage negotiator and a Mental Evaluation team, but nothing worked, according to the LBPD. The department also brought in SWAT resources to the standoff. 

The suspect exchanged gunfire with four other officers. The Long Beach Fire Department declared the gunman dead at the scene. 

His identity is being held until authorities can contact his family. 

Both directions of Atlantic Avenue have been closed as investigators canvass the scene.