Heightened Police Alert Following Colorado Movie Theater Shooting

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has encouraged the public to call authorities if "something doesn't look right."

While the tragedy in Aurora, CO, appears to be an isolated incident, "our vigilance has been raised," Capt. Mike Parker of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said in a statement Saturday. "The heightened alert of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department includes increased patrols to create a more visible presence at movie theaters and other places where people congregate."

The shooting at the Century Aurora 16 movie theater allegedly was committed by James Holmes, 24, who was taken into custody in the theater's parking lot shortly after the gunfire broke out, authorities said.

Los Angeles Police Department officers increased their vigilance immediately following reports of the incident.

LAPD dispatched officers to major venues where the movie The Dark Night was playing. No incidents occurred in the City of Los Angeles. 

The LAPD will be providing hi-visibility patrol to major theaters in Los Angeles as well as other sporting events, concerts and crowded venues, according to a news statement distributed by the department. 

Both uniformed and undercover officers will be on hand at theaters in the coming days.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa offered his condolences to the victims and their families.

“In the wake of the senseless and terrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, on behalf of the residents of Los Angeles, I offer my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to the victims and the families affected by this horrific crime. It is truly a sad day in America," Villaraigosa said.

Holmes allegedly wore what appeared to be a bullet-proof vest and riot-type mask as he opened fire in the theater with three weapons. Authorities said at least 12 people died and 38 were injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Colorado since two high school students shot and killed 13 students in Columbine in 1999. (Click here to read about the worst U.S. mass shootings since 1991.)

Holmes' parents live in the San Diego County community of Rancho Penasquitos, where the suspect went to high school.

"As always, we encourage the public: 'If You See Something, Say Something,' Parker said. "The greatest deterrent to crime is often a phone call to law enforcement by a person who sees something that just doesn't look right."

The National Association of Theatre Owners issued a statement Friday about security measures in the aftermath of the Colorado shooting. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this despicable act and their families," the statement said. "We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures."

The Motion Picture Association of America also issued a statement regarding the violence.

"We share the shock and sadness of everyone in the motion picture community at the news of this terrible event,'' said former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, the MPAA chairman and CEO. "We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy.''

To report a crime, call (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637,) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

City News Service contributed to this report.