LOS ANGELES – Two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were shot and wounded on Wednesday while pursuing a suspect. MPs were taken to a local hospital for treatment and a suspect was killed in the shootings, officials said.

"Preliminary info @EastLALASD Member involved 2 deputies hit by gunfire and transported to local hospital 1 suspect died on scene.

L.A. Sheriff Jim McDonnell wrote on Twitter: "Get informed about the shooting the MP is implicated. Ask for prayers for our two assistants, their families. Go to the hospital now.

The deputies were both in a stable state, told the Los Angeles Times Nicole Nishida, spokeswoman for the sheriff's department.

According to local media reports, MPs stopped a vehicle carrying four men before gunfire erupted around 6:37 pm CBSLA reported that MPs were investigating an assault charge near Ruben F. Salazar Park in East Los Angeles.

Three of the suspects were subsequently detained, according to media reports. The department warned residents to stay away from the area by tweeting: "#LASD Police Activity at 3000 Blvd. Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles Avoid the PIO Zone Responding."

According to Officer Down Memorial Page, so far this year, 41 officers across the country have died from gunshot wounds.

This is a breaking news.

Read or share this story: https://usat.ly/2DeGxbQ