Southern California

One Dead in Shooting Outside Marijuana Dispensary Near LAX

One person was killed in a shooting Wednesday that began outside a Southern California medical marijuana dispensary near LAX, officials said.

The shooting was reported at 12:18 p.m. in the 5300 block of Century Boulevard in Westchester, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Two armed men went to the "Nature's Cure" medical marijuana dispensary where they were confronted by an armed security guard, Los Angeles police said.

"I don't know exactly where they exchange of gunfire occurred," LAPD Capt. Brian Johnson said. "My belief is that it was either in the very front of the location or possibly inside at the threshold of the door."

A witness said he saw the men run from the dispensary.

"I heard gunshots, but I'm not sure who was shooting at whom," Felix Avilar said. "I saw one guy run towards the Westin, the other guy ran that way toward La Cienega, but he then came back. He jumped in the car and left in his car."

Police said earlier that the gunman fled the scene in a black BMW after shooting a security guard, but later they said the security guard was actually not hurt.

One of the armed suspects who was shot during the exchange of gunfire collapsed in front of The Westin Los Angeles hotel and died, police said.

The investigation shut down Century Boulevard near LAX between Concourse Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, snarling traffic and diverting travelers from the airport. Streets reopened by 2:30 p.m.

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