3 Sickened In Hazmat Incident Involving Unknown Substance, LA Street Shut Down

LOS ANGELES, CA — At least three people suddenly became ill Thursday morning after possibly being exposed to an unknown substance on a sidewalk outside of their downtown Los Angeles apartment building. The substance may be connected to a police operation, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities responded to 375 E 2nd St. at around 11:30 a.m. to medically assess at least three people who were potentially exposed to the substance, the LAFD said. The Alhambra Police Department served a search warrant at the scene, but a spokesperson did not offer any additional details about the nature of the incident, ABC 7 reported.

"Police officers from one or more agencies were reportedly involved in a law enforcement tactical operation when a yet to be identified substance was spilled upon a sidewalk. Soon thereafter, at least three persons ... became subjectively ill with non-specific symptoms," the LAFD said in a statement.

Two of the patients were transported to a local hospital, where one refused care. The third patient was continuing to be evaluated at the scene as of 1 p.m. and may be transported to a hospital, the LAFD said.

Firefighters said Thursday afternoon that there is "no escalating or off-site hazard," but the LAFD called in a hazardous materials team, which is completing a "comprehensive assessment of the location" and is working to identify the substance.

2nd Street was shut down between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street and was set to remain closed until the department's operations were complete and the site was determined to be safe for public access, firefighters said.