2 Arrested After Foot Chase near Avenue 61

Los Angeles Police Department officers created a perimeter around Avenue 61 and Piedmont Street at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon as officers pursued two men who were allegedly seen in possession of a handgun.

According to Sgt. Victor Arellano, gang unit officers were patrolling the neighborhood when they saw two men near the corner of Avenue 61 and Piedmont Street, one of whom looked to be in possession of a handgun.

The officers were en route to a community meeting regarding graffiti and gang violence when they spotted the two men, Capt. William Murphy told Patch.

Arrellano said the men fled on foot when they saw the police squad car. The officers gave chase and eventually arrested the two men, who were both in their late teens. Officers believe they are both affiliated with a local gang.

According to eyewitness reports, the men were arrested after they were found hiding in a back yard.

As of 6:30 p.m., officers had tightened the perimeter to the area around Terrace 49 as they searched for the weapon.

Arellano said the gang unit officers were patrolling the area due to the high number of shooting incidents along the Monte Vista Corridor.

"We've increased on focus on this area because of all the recent violence," Arellano said.