2 officers shot, suspect killed in Inglewood shootout

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Two officers were injured and a suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Inglewood on Wednesday, authorities said.

Ambulances were responding to the 300 block of S. Market Street on a shooting report.

One officer was shot in the arm and another was struck in the hand, officials said.

Police say officers initially responded after a man entered the Church of Scientology on Market Street wielding a sword.

Investigators said the suspect was armed with at least a sword when police opened fire inside the lobby.

"We heard a couple shots, like three shots, and I said we better not go outside the gate," resident Tammy Slaughter said.

The Inglewood police chief said the man was acting erratically at the church, and police were called to help.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. Police said he later died.

Kebrom Faris has a friend who works at the church who sent her a text message after the shooting that read, "Weird guy came in with a sword acting crazy. Police were called and he was shot."

The two officers who were the first to arrive at the church were shot, but it's unclear by whom.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the incident and how exactly the officers were shot.

Police haven't been able to find the suspect's gun, raising the possibility the officers may have shot each other.

"He was seen with a weapon. Whether it was a sword, gun, both, we're still working on that," Chief Mark Fronterotta said.

Investigators were examining a white Bentley parked in front of the church that apparently belonged to the suspect.

Both officers are expected to survive their injuries.

In a statement, the Church of Scientology thanked the police and said it is cooperating with the investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.