Woman barricades in Castaic after shooting at LA County MPs

CASTAIC, LOS ANGELES (KABC) –

A woman barricaded herself in a seniors' residence after shooting the Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies at Castaic on Friday.

The incident took place around 4 pm. at the main village of Castaic Lake, in the 31000 block of Castaic Road, when a woman fired shots through the doorway. The authorities were responding to a social service call.

The deputies were not injured during the shooting and did not shoot the woman. The woman, who would be in her sixties, remained in her unit.

Authorities evacuated three nearby apartments as a precautionary measure. But the neighbors said that there were still people stuck in their units. The complex is home to people 55 and over.

One woman said her sisters were in an apartment right next to the suspect.

"They did not hear gunshots, at least when I spoke to them, they did not, they are nervous, they would like to come down here, but unfortunately they can not. a guy from SWAT team and they said they're trying to get them out, "said Liz Hill.

Neighbors said that the barricaded woman had mental health problems and that the police had already gone to the compound.

Resident Jill Webb said the suspect had placed his refrigerator in front of the door. She added that the woman is schizophrenic.

"This is a tall and very kind woman, but she's a tall woman who could easily move a refrigerator," she said.

She added that the authorities were moving people even through their balconies if they could not get out of their door. Some neighbors are over 90 and need help to go out.

Other units were later evacuated and a shelter was installed at the Castaic Aquatic Center. The American Red Cross was there to help the residents.

The investigation is underway.