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Police investigate after person films cops, then shows gun

Police say an online video that appeared to show a gunman stalking an LAPD officer was a hoax
Police: Video of gunman stalking an officer was a stunt 01:47

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after a video posted to Instagram appeared to show a person with a gun watching police officers.

The footage, originally posted on Instagram, according to the law enforcement-focused news site PoliceOne, was shot from inside a vehicle parked behind a patrol car.

The video shows an officer leaving the patrol car, and then the person who is filming moves the camera to show that he is holding a handgun.

However, the LAPD issued a statement Tuesday saying that they have identified the vehicle and three suspects in the case: "The investigation revealed that the film was made by members of an early 1990's rap group no longer in fashion. The film was made and posted on social media to ignite a comeback by the rap group."

The department said that one suspect had a prior conviction for carrying a firearm and a warrant was issued for his arrest. SWAT officers executed the warrant in Downey, Calif., about 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

While the investigation into the suspect will continue, LAPD said that "detectives have determined that the video in question was made for entertainment purposes only and was not a credible threat to police officers.

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