Cerritos-Artesia on 'Heightened Alert' After Boston Marathon Explosions

Southland law enforcement officials were on heightened alert today as they monitored the investigation into bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon that killed two people and injured nearly two dozen more.

"While the cause of the explosions this morning at the Boston Marathon are still under investigation, our vigilance has been raised," Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said. "The heightened alert of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department includes increased patrols to create a more visible presence where people congregate, such as government buildings, shopping centers, athletics events and public transit."

Baca said the department was working closely with other public safety agencies, although county officials said the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center had not yet been activated.

Patrols Increased Near City Buildings and Shopping Centers in Cerritos-Artesia

"All deputies of Cerritos Station have been briefed of the events that occurred in Boston and we have increased patrols in areas in the community that draw large crowds, including city buildings and large shopping centers," Lt. Jeff Deedrick of the Cerritos Sheriff's Station told Patch.

ARE YOU A FAN OF CERRITOS-ARTESIA PATCH? Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our newsletter | Blog on Patch

Los Angeles police Officer Bruce Borihanh said the LAPD "will also be increasing the security in and around the Dodger game scheduled for later this afternoon." The Dodgers will take on the San Diego Padres at 7 p.m.

"We have no information at this time that would indicate the events in Boston might have any connection to the Los Angeles area," Borihanh said. "Our response has been implemented to reassure our public that we understand how incidents like those in Boston can cause concern here in our city."

Baca said the department was working closely with other public safety agencies, although officials said the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center had not yet been activated. Baca said the the LASD had opened its internal Department Operations Center.   Security was stepped up at Metro facilities, including Union Station, with additional officers and K-9 units, according to Marc Littman, a spokesman for the transportation agency.

"There is a heightened police presence," Littman said.

He said there was no disruption to any service, but passengers will see more officers on patrol. As usual, Littman urged passengers to report any suspicious activities on buses and trains or at stations.

In Orange County, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said deputies would "have an increased presence at local sporting/entertainment venues and other large gathering places."

She also said the department was working with event organizers to review safety protocols, "as well as ensuring our first responders are properly equipped with necessary resources should a similar incident occur."

- MarieSam Sanchez contributed to a portion of this report.