Police were searching for two men after a reported armed robbery led to gunfire in a Long Beach neighborhood.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Two robbery suspects remained at large Monday after an off-duty Long Beach police officer fired toward them during a confrontation in a residential area, authorities said.
The encounter happened at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday near Bixby Road and Orange Avenue. The Long Beach Police Department said one man approached the officer and pointed what investigators believe was a firearm while a second man robbed him.
The off-duty officer then fired shots toward the men, according to the department. Both suspects fled before responding officers could take them into custody.
Police said the officer was not injured. Investigators had not determined whether either suspect was struck by the gunfire.
Authorities did not identify the officer or say why he was in the area. They also did not disclose what property was reportedly taken from him.
No detailed descriptions of the suspects were immediately released. Police described both as male but provided no information about their ages, clothing or possible vehicle.
The shooting brought investigators to the intersection Sunday afternoon as officers examined the scene and searched for evidence. Aerial footage published by CBS Los Angeles showed numerous evidence markers placed along the street, though police did not explain what the markers identified.
The department classified the incident as an officer-involved shooting even though the officer was not working at the time. Police said detectives are investigating both the reported robbery and the officer’s use of gunfire.
The information released by police was preliminary. The department said it would conduct a full, multi-level review of the shooting as the search for the two men continued.
Author note: Last updated July 13, 2026.