One woman is dead after a standoff with a gunman at a Silver Lake area Trader Joe’s on Saturday, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced.
The LAPD also confirmed that the suspect was in custody, and that the woman died after being struck by gunfire inside the store.
NBC4 in Los Angeles reported that the suspect initially fled from police after shooting his grandmother and his girlfriend, drove off and crashed his car into a pole, before shooting at police, fleeing into the Trader Joe’s and barricading himself in the store. The condition of the girlfriend, who was taken from the car outside the store, is unknown at this time.
LAPD worked throughout the afternoon to rescue employees and customers inside, who police confirm were being held hostage. People were seen climbing out a store window to get to safety. Police were also seen rescuing a group of children from the store.
President Trump also tweeted earlier of the incident, “Watching Los Angeles possible hostage situation very closely. Active barricaded suspect. L.A.P.D. working with Federal Law Enforcement.”
July 21, 7:17 p.m. Updated to include the mayor’s announcement and that the suspect is in custody.
