SAN DIEGO, Jan 26 (Reuters) - An active shooter and three gunshots were reported at the U.S. Naval Medical Center in San Diego on Tuesday, triggering a law enforcement response although there were no reports of deaths or injuries.
The U.S. Navy said in a statement, based on initial reports from a witness, that three shots were heard in the basement of a building housing a gym and barracks at the medical center around 8 a.m. PST (1600 GMT).
First responders and Navy working dog units were on scene clearing the building where the shots were heard, the statement said, adding that the medical center was on lockdown and a shelter-in-place order had been given.
A post on the medical center's Facebook page advised occupants to "run, hide or fight," the protocol advised by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in response to an active shooter.
All non-emergency response staff were asked to stay away from the compound. The shooter was reported in building #26, the post said.
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San Diego police spokesman Officer Travis Easter said medical center officials alerted police of a shooter but had not requested assistance.
The medical center, about two miles (3 km) north of downtown San Diego, includes a 272-bed hospital and a staff of more than 6,500 military and civilian professionals, the center's website said.
A representative for the medical center could not immediately be reached for comment.
A local middle school and two high schools in the area, which is home to the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, were on lockdown as a precaution.
One Twitter user, who used only the first name Francis, said in a post on the social media website, "Hiding under my desk with the lights off bye."
