Video captured military helicopters over the City of Industry Thursday night in what authorities said was a training operation similar to those reported this week in other Southern California communities.
The operation, which included exercises at the mostly shuttered Puente Hills Mall, followed warnings from officials in Long Beach and the City of Industry that residents might see helicopters and hear simulated weapons fire. The exercises drew on-lookers to the parking lot of the mall, a filming location for scenes from the 1980s hit “Back to the Future.”
More details about the exercises were not immediately available.
In a statement, Long Beach officials said the training exercise was expected to last into early Friday morning.
“During this time, you may see and hear helicopter activity, controlled explosions and simulated weapons fire,” the city said. “Long Beach Police Department personnel will be in the area to assist with pedestrian and vehicle safety.
“Although LBPD will be int he are, note that this is not a City of Long Beach training exercise. This exercise is being conducted by the U.S. Military, and the City of Long Beach does not have jurisdiction over operational details.”
Thursday night’s activity followed similar statements Wednesday from the cities of Irvine and Pasadena.