Gunman ‘takes hostages’ inside a Trader Joe’s in Los Angeles

A hostage situation is underway at a Trader Joe’s in Silverlake, Los Angeles after a man being chased by police jumped out of their car and ran into the store on Saturday afternoon.

The vehicle was seen wrapped around a pole and police rescued a woman left inside. 

Law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times the woman is his girlfriend, and he had fired at officers before he ran inside the supermarket.

LAPD told KCAL the suspect had shot his grandmother and girlfriend about 1.30pm, before fleeing the scene in a 2015 Toyota Camry.  

Officers began pursuing the suspect in Hollywood, and they arrived at the supermarket on Hyperion Avenue about 3.30pm.  

Law enforcement are working to evacuate employees and customers, including small children, with at least one person seen fleeing with injuries.

While many were seen fleeing from the supermarket, it is believed there are still as many as 30 people inside. 

Police have SWAT vehicles in position and an emergency triage area set up as the situation continues. 

They are believed to be in contact with the suspect.  

Police say the situation is ongoing as of 8pm EDT. ‘There is still an active police incident at the Trader Joe’s near the intersection of Hyperion Ave and Griffith Park Blvd.,’ a statement reads.

‘We are still urging the everyone to stay clear of the area. Due to the fluidity of the incident, we will release information as it becomes available.’

The suspect entered the store after crashing their car outside following a police car chase