One killed in California polling station shooting

Los Angeles, Nov 9 (IANS) One person was killed and at least three others were injured on Tuesday in a shooting near a polling location in California.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Captain Jeff Scroggin said police were dealing with at least one suspect who was heavily armed, The Los Angeles Times reported.

The incident occurred outside the Memorial Park North Recreation Centre in Azusa which is located roughly 30 miles outside Los Angeles.

One of the injured was headed to the polling station to vote, a law enforcement source told the daily.

The police arrived to find a man with a rifle. The gunman immediately fired at least 20 shots, said the source.

Under a hail of gunfire, police officials took cover and returned shots at the man, who retreated into a home in the 500 block of Fourth Street, said the source. 

Officers have the suspect surrounded and were evacuating the area.

Roberto Chavez, 67, and his wife were sitting outside on their porch when they saw a heavily-armed man fire at least 10 rounds at group of people. 

The gunman, who wore a white shirt and black pants, ran into a home about three doors down from Chavez's house, he said.

Los Angeles County Registrar Dean Logan said the shooting was impacting two polling stations at Memorial Park, a preschool, and Dalton Elementary school.

He urged voters to avoid the area and "if necessary, cast a ballot at an alternate polling location".