An LAPD officer opened fire on a machete-wielding man Sunday morning in downtown Los Angeles after the suspect advanced toward police. The area remains closed as investigations continue. Authorities urge the public to avoid the scene.

Police Urge Public to Avoid Downtown Los Angeles After Officer Fires at Machete-Wielding Man

Los Angeles, CA — July 13, 2025

A tense and chaotic scene unfolded in downtown Los Angeles early Sunday morning after a police officer opened fire on a man armed with a machete, prompting an ongoing investigation and a call for the public to avoid the area.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. near the intersection of South Broadway and West 5th Street, a bustling section of the city just blocks from the historic core and major transportation hubs. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers were responding to reports of a disturbance when they encountered a man brandishing a large machete and behaving aggressively.

Authorities say the suspect refused repeated commands to drop the weapon and began advancing toward officers in a threatening manner. In response, one officer discharged their firearm, striking the individual at least once. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently being treated. His condition has not been released.

No officers were injured in the incident.

Area Shut Down as Investigation Begins

In the wake of the shooting, LAPD quickly cordoned off a wide perimeter around the scene, urging members of the public to steer clear of the area due to what officials described as an “active police investigation.” Streets were blocked off from 4th to 6th Streets between Hill and Spring, and foot traffic was diverted from several nearby businesses.

“We are asking everyone to avoid the area as we work through this ongoing incident,” LAPD Chief Raul Ramirez said in a brief press conference Sunday afternoon. “Our first priority is public safety and conducting a thorough investigation into what happened this morning.”

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division have launched parallel investigations, standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Body-worn camera footage from the responding officers is expected to play a key role in the review.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses in the area described a sudden eruption of commotion as police confronted the armed suspect. "I was walking out of a coffee shop when I saw a man waving what looked like a sword," said Jonathan Reese, who works in a nearby office building. "Police were shouting at him to drop it, and then I heard a gunshot. People started running."

Another witness, Janice Lee, who lives in an apartment overlooking the street, reported seeing officers try to de-escalate the situation. “They tried talking to him. They kept their distance at first. He just kept yelling and swinging the blade,” she said.

Mental Health and Safety Concerns

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect or confirmed whether he has a history of mental illness, but the incident has once again raised concerns about the intersection of mental health, homelessness, and public safety in Los Angeles.

Downtown L.A. has seen a rise in violent confrontations and mental health crises in recent years, particularly in areas near the city’s unhoused population. Sunday’s incident occurred just a few blocks from Skid Row, where outreach workers and first responders often deal with high-risk situations involving weapons and erratic behavior.

“We need a coordinated response that includes mental health support, crisis intervention, and housing resources,” said Councilmember Helena Ortiz, who represents the area. “Our officers are doing their best, but they need more tools to handle these complex and often dangerous encounters.”

Business and Transit Disruptions

Several businesses in the area were forced to delay opening or close entirely for the day as investigators canvassed the scene. Metro bus lines were rerouted around the shutdown blocks, and foot traffic through the normally busy district was heavily restricted.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation said traffic was expected to remain impacted for most of the day, with full reopening not anticipated until late evening.

“We recognize the inconvenience, but this is a necessary precaution to ensure a proper investigation and the safety of our residents,” the spokesperson said.

Officer Placed on Leave

Per department policy, the officer who discharged their weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. LAPD officials emphasized that the use of force will be reviewed with transparency and accountability.

“We are committed to providing answers to the public and ensuring that our actions are lawful and justified,” Chief Ramirez said.

Public Asked to Stay Clear

As of Sunday evening, police continued to maintain a heavy presence in the area. The LAPD reiterated its request for the public to avoid the vicinity of Broadway and 5th Street and asked anyone with video footage or information related to the incident to contact the department's tip line.

This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.