Police shot a man after he pointed what they believed was a gun wrapped in a towel at them in Los Feliz Friday.

But the man was unarmed; no gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting, Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Rosario Herrera said Saturday.

The incident happened after the person allegedly waved a patrol car down in a parkway near Lowry Road and Los Feliz Boulevard at 6:35 p.m, Los Angeles Police Department Lt. John Jenal said.

"The officers stopped to investigate and see what was needed," Lt Jenal said. "This person then extended their arm, which was wrapped in a towel."

The shooting occurred after the lawmen demanded he drop his weapon, with locals saying they heard four gunshots. No officers were shot during the confrontation.

Graphic cellphone video taken by a passerby shows officers handcuffing the wounded man on the ground.

The wounded man was in critical condition Friday night. Herrera had no update on the man's condition Saturday.

An official probe into the shooting is ongoing.

Severe congestion was caused after Los Feliz Boulevard was closed in the vicinity of Lowry Road due to the investigation. It finally reopened at 1:50 a.m. Saturday.

Jason Kandel and Asher Klein contributed to this report