HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. — During a tense standoff with an armed individual on Christmas Eve, a residential fire broke out in Hermosa Beach, as confirmed by local enforcement officials.
Los Angeles County Firefighters were dispatched to a residential emergency on 11th Street after a call came in around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to local news outlet KTLA-TV. Reports indicate that an altercation was heard by neighbors, followed by sightings of an armed man who entered the residence and subsequently refused to comply with police directives at the location.
The situation escalated when a blaze erupted in the property’s garage, with the incident occurring just before 5 p.m., as KTLA noted. Hours into the standoff, at approximately 9 p.m., Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron provided an update at a press briefing, expressing belief that the suspect was still alive within the dwelling.
In the midst of the crisis, it was reported by KTLA that immediate family members of the suspect, including children, had managed to evacuate the home prior to law enforcement’s arrival. “They came out and, at that point, the only person left inside that we were aware of was the suspect,” LeBaron stated, further mentioning that surrounding residences were cleared for safety.
Amid the ongoing situation, police reported the sound of explosions, which could have been gunfire, although there was no indication that officers were being targeted, according to LeBaron’s comments.
First responders at the scene, including firefighters and police officers, decided against entering the house due to the uncertain presence and status of the armed individual inside. The Daily Breeze newspaper cited a fire department representative who emphasized the uncertainty.
To manage the fire, firefighters established a defensive line around the garage to contain the flames and avert potential spread to neighboring structures, as detailed to the newspaper by the fire official.
As of Sunday night, it remained unclear whether the fire had been fully extinguished. Further updates on the status of the fire and the standoff were pending.
This report is based on information provided by local authorities and covered by news media. Further use of this material is subject to the permissions of the original source, The Associated Press.
On Christmas Eve in Hermosa Beach, California, a fire broke out at a residence where an armed suspect had barricaded themselves inside. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the incident around 3:30 p.m. following a 911 call. Prior to the fire, neighbors reported an argument and observed a man with a gun entering the two-story home, refusing to surrender to the police. The garage caught fire shortly before 5 p.m. As of 9 p.m., Police Chief Paul LeBaron indicated the suspect was believed to be still alive inside the house. The suspect’s family, including children, had safely exited the home before the police arrived, and nearby homes were evacuated. Although explosions were heard, possibly gunshots, there was no indication that police were being targeted. Firefighters and police did not attempt to enter the home and instead established a defensive perimeter to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Further details on whether the fire was still active later that night were not immediately available.
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