All northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway were closed near Lorena Street in Boyle Heights following a fatal shooting and vehicle collision, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol responded to a call of shots fired and a vehicle driving in the wrong direction around 4:11 p.m. Thursday, Officer Erik Larson said. It was unclear whether the shooting took place on the highway or on surface streets before the collision, he said.
One person was fatally shot and another victim was taken to hospital in unknown condition, he said. Authorities are looking for three possible suspects, he added.
Former Times photojournalist Bryan Chan drove to the scene of the incident on the southbound 5 Freeway around 5 p.m., where northbound traffic was stopped. Stranded drivers were standing in front of their cars and in the central reservation, he said.
As of late Thursday, the incident was still under investigation and northbound traffic was diverted to the 710 Freeway.
As of 8 p.m., the CHP said the shutdown would remain in effect for another four to six hours, according to KTLA.
The California Department of Transportation helped close the road, using trucks, cones and flares to help direct vehicles safely after dark, Larson said.
Aerial video captured by KTLA showed first responders on the highway next to a white Tesla, which had damaged front driver’s side, and a silver Cadillac, which had damaged rear driver’s side bumper.
A white sheet was draped over the front passenger side of the Cadillac and it appeared as if bullets had pierced the rear passenger side window.
Traffic seemed to be backed up for miles, all the way to Highway 605.