Woman held for shooting near California marathon

LOS ANGELES: A woman opened fire in downtown San Diego and was taken into custody as thousands of people participated in the California city’s marathon nearby.

As officers responded, a policeman was injured by an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg, the San Diego Police Department said in a statement.

There were no immediate reports of anyone else being hurt.

Witnesses said they heard four or five shots coming from a parking structure near the finish line of the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, according to the local CBS and NBC television affiliates.

“There’s no longer a threat to the community.

“The scene is secure. The Rock and Roll Marathon has resumed,” police said in a tweet.

The marathon, which draws thousands of runners, was winding down at the time.

After a brief halt, runners were allowed to complete the race.

Several streets were also closed briefly.

“We had a number of officers working in the area for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, and the route was just a couple of blocks to the north from the incident,” police chief David Nisleit said in a statement. Police first received calls about an active shooter at 10.51am.

“As officers were responding, one officer fired two rounds at the suspect, but did not hit her,” Nisleit added.

“We also had an officer have an accidental discharge of his firearm and he shot himself in his leg he has been transported to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.”