Off-Duty ICE Agent Kills Man Firing Shots Into The Air On New Year's Eve In Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, CA — An off-duty ICE officer fatally shot a man accused of firing shots with an assault rifle in Northridge on New Year’s Eve, officials say.

Officers responded to a report of a man firing shots in the air at an apartment complex in the 17701 block of Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue at about 11:37 p.m. Wednesday, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

In a statement to NBC Los Angeles, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the off-duty ICE officer was in his apartment when he heard multiple gunshots getting closer to the residence.

"The officer took his ICE-authorized firearm and left his apartment to investigate," McLaughlin said, the outlet reported.

Fearing for his life and the life of others, the officer "was forced to defensively use his weapon and exchanged gunfire with the shooter," the U.S. Department of Homeland Security statement said in a statement.

"Fortunately, our brave officer was not injured while protecting his community," the statement said.

A woman who lives at the complex told FOX 11 News she heard “a lot of shots.”

“It was more than 10 shots, it was a lot of shots, and we got scared, but I thought it was something like fireworks," the woman told the TV Station.

The man shot by the ICE officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

The off-duty officer called the LAPD immediately to report the shooting, according to the DHS statement.

The LAPD was investigating the shooting, but did not identify the victim or provide further details.

City News Service contributed to this report.