LONG BEACH, Calif. – A hostage taker was shot by Long Beach police late Sunday night. The wounded man was holding a woman hostage when fired upon. He is suspected of stabbing another woman, authorities said.
The Los Angeles Times reported the man was in critical condition at a local hospital Monday morning. Additionally, the woman he was holding hostage was treated and released at the scene, Long Beach Police Sgt. Brad Johnson said.
Moreover, the additional stabbing victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, he said.
It all began around 10:50 p.m. Sunday when police were dispatched to the 900 block of Washington Place in response to a stabbing, Johnson said. Officers found the female stabbing victim one block away. Subsequently they were told the suspect may be holding another woman hostage, Johnson said.
Responding officers approached a residence on the 800 block of the same street. They were able to see through an open door that a man was holding a woman against her will. Furthermore, he held a sharp weapon at her throat, Johnson said. He could not identify specifically what the object was.
A standoff ensued for about 30 minutes, while officers negotiated with the suspect. Finally, one officer shot the hostage taker, Johnson said.
Police immediately entered the residence and began administering life-saving measures. Soon thereafter, Long Beach Fire Department took over, he said.
Johnson did not disclose how many rounds were fired.
The shooting was being investigated and police were trying to determine how the suspect knew the women, Johnson said.
(Photo: Long Beach Police Department Facebook)