LOS ANGELES, CA (latestsports) – A man suspected of being involved in a terrifying shooting incident outside a Target store in downtown Los Angeles has been arrested following a tense standoff with law enforcement on Tuesday. The arrest came one day after the shooting, which left two security guards wounded outside the Target store at the FIGat7th shopping center.
Hours-Long Standoff Ends with Suspect in Custody
The dramatic turn of events unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a standoff at an apartment building on Ingraham Street, just a short distance from the scene of the previous night’s shooting. The police operation saw officers and a SWAT vehicle surrounding the building, where the suspect had barricaded himself.
By 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, after nearly five hours of negotiations, the suspect was escorted out of the building in handcuffs, ending the tense standoff. Video footage from the scene showed a large LAPD presence, and the area was heavily secured during the operation.
The Incident That Sparked the Standoff
The events leading up to the standoff began Monday evening, just before 9 p.m., when the suspect walked into the Target store and allegedly stole merchandise. According to LAPD Capt. Raul Jovel, the suspect stuffed items into a briefcase before attempting to leave the store without paying. When security guards attempted to stop him, the situation escalated quickly.
“During that scuffle, the suspect produced a pistol and fired indiscriminately,” Capt. Jovel said during a Tuesday press conference. One of the security guards, who was armed, returned fire, and over 10 rounds were exchanged in the chaotic confrontation. It remains unclear if the suspect was hit by any of the gunfire before fleeing the scene.
Injuries and Hospitalization
Both security guards were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One guard, who was shot in the stomach, remains in critical condition, while the second guard, who was shot in the arm and leg, is expected to survive.
Target Corporation issued a statement expressing sadness over the violence. “We are saddened by this horrible act of violence and our thoughts are with those who were injured, their friends, and families,” the statement read. The company also thanked first responders and confirmed the store’s closure as authorities continued their investigation.
Witness Describes the Chaos
As chaos erupted outside the store, shoppers inside the Target were left terrified. Judith Conway, who was at the store during the shooting, described the harrowing moments as gunshots rang out. “It was extremely loud, extremely traumatic,” she recalled. “We all just started running towards the back. We were guided by one of the sales reps at the front. But it was extremely traumatic; we heard several rounds go off.”
Conway said people were running in all directions, some seeking shelter in aisles and others scattering in panic. “Some people were running towards the aisles, some people were hiding toward the clothes, everyone just started running and scattering in different directions,” she said.
Search for the Suspect
Following the shooting, authorities released surveillance footage of the suspect, describing him as a man in his mid-20s with long hair. However, when the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, he was visibly bald, raising questions about whether he had shaved his head or wore a wig during the crime. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
Law Enforcement’s Swift Response
The LAPD worked quickly to identify the suspect and bring him to justice. “This was a dangerous and violent encounter that put the lives of innocent people at risk,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “We’re thankful that the situation was resolved without further injury to members of the public.”
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The incident highlights the escalating dangers security personnel face as they attempt to protect businesses and their customers from criminal activity.
As the situation continues to unfold, law enforcement is urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
