Knife-wielding suspect shot by LAPD outside Venice coffee shop

VENICE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A knife-wielding suspect was shot by police outside a coffee shop in Venice Monday afternoon.

The officer-involved shooting occurred outside Groundwork Coffee Co. in the 600 block of Rose Avenue at about 2 p.m.

According to Groundwork Coffee Co. employees, the suspect walked into the coffee shop, began acting strangely and then pulled out a knife. One of the employees at the shop then dialed 911.

Responding officers confronted the suspect outside the coffee shop. They ordered him to drop the knife, but the suspect did not obey their orders, prompting the officers to open fire, according to LAPD Sgt. Barry Montgomery.

A witness told Eyewitness News he heard three pops in succession.

"[I] looked outside the window and saw three to four officers standing over what looked to be a homeless gentleman, late 30s, perhaps 40 or so," Josh said. "He was on his back, he'd clearly been shot and the police rolled him over, cuffed him and then cleared the area."

The suspect was listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery. No further details were immediately released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident was urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.