Hostage Crisis in Santa Monica
S A N T A M O N I C A, Calif., July 4 -- A homicide suspect described by police as a “hard-core gang member” shot three officers and a 17-year-old boy as authorities tried to arrest him, then took several people hostage in an arcade on the Santa Monica Pier.
After a five-hour standoff, the hostages were released unharmed and the gunman surrendered at 6:30 a.m., police said. They identified the suspect as Oswaldo Amezcua, 25, who was wanted in connection with three slayings.
Gunfire at Popular Tourist Attraction
The incident started around 1:40 a.m. when the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office told Santa Monica police that a pair of men wanted in three homicides were on the Santa Monica Pier, Lt. Gary Gallinot said. The pier is a popular attraction that draws thousands of visitors during the summer months to its clubs, food stands and a small amusement park. It is also a favorite location for filming Hollywood movies such as The Sting.
The first homicide suspect, 30-year-old Jose Flores, was taken into custody after a brief scuffle, and two weapons were found on him, Gallinot said.
But the second man, Amezcua, escaped into the arcade in the popular and often crowded tourist attraction. He re-emerged moment later, shooting. Several tourists were sent running for cover before police sealed off the area.
“A big, heavyset Mexican guy came out and as soon as he walked out the door, turned to his left and shot straight at all the cops that were standing there and we just took off running,” said witness Phillip Gutierrez.
Three police officers and a 17-year-old boy were wounded, police said. None of the injuries was considered life-threatening.
‘He Started Shooting and I Ducked’
Brittney Thompson, 15, was having her picture taken in an arcade booth when gunfire broke out. She said the gunman took her mother and younger brother hostage but later allowed her mother to phone a relative.
“He started shooting and I ducked down,” Thompson said. “The police opened the door and I ran out. … I kicked off my shoes and ran.”
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