Arrest Made in Tustin Officer-Involved Shooting

The gunman ran back into an apartment after opening fire on an officer, police said

Authorities have made an arrest following an officer-involved shooting Thursday in the Orange County community of Tustin, officials said.

A search, including a sheriff's department helicopter, was underway in the area of Red Hill Avenue and the 5 Freeway, according to Tustin Police Department. Aerial video showed several law enforcement vehicles, including armored units, outside an apartment complex near the search area.

The officer was not injured.

The suspect, Justin Herrera, surrendered to police, according to Tustin Police Sgt. Andrew Birozy. Herrera was uninjured in the shooting and search.

The confrontation began after a report of a man with a sawed off shotgun near an apartment complex. The gunman ran into the apartment complex after opening fire on the officer.

Zazhil Rojano was walking to meet a friend at a gas station when she was stopped by an officer with a rifle and told to return home.

"They started escorting people because there was someone dangerous around there." said Rojano. "They didn't tell me anything specifically, they were more concerned about getting me out of there."

Details regarding the subject's condition and whether he was struck by gunfire were not immediately available.

An Orange County Sheriff's Department helicopter responded to the neighborhood, landing on a street (video, below).

"There are a lot of people who live in this area," said Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano. "We want people to be vigilant, stay in their homes

The gunman was described as a man in his 20s or late teens wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue-green plaid shorts. He is about 5-foot-9 and wearing a cap.

Tustin Unified School District buildings are on lockdown. Families of students were alerted through the district's phone system and email.

Seven schools wee on a "soft" lockdown, meaning school officials are checking identification of anyone entering the building. The schools affected by the lockdown are listed below.

  • Tustin High School
  • Currie Middle School
  • Utt Middle School
  • Helen Estock Elementary
  • Lambert Elementary
  • Nelson Elementary
  • Margorie Veeh Elementary
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