By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- A barricaded suspect died July 19 in a fire at a Woodland Hills townhome during a lengthy domestic violence standoff involving Los Angeles Police Department SWAT personnel.
- LAPD responded to the residence on the 5700 block of Owensmouth Avenue near Burbank Boulevard at approximately 3:15 p.m. for a domestic violence call; SWAT was called around 6 p.m. after the suspect refused to exit.
- Investigators believe the suspect intentionally set the fire that broke out at approximately 6:41 p.m. in the middle unit of a three-unit townhome complex; tear gas had been deployed in attempts to force the suspect from the structure.
- When firefighting personnel were able to enter the building, they discovered the suspect deceased inside; a woman believed to be the suspect’s wife sustained injuries.
- More than 60 firefighters required several hours Monday morning to extinguish the blaze; the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the structure fire incident.
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIF. — A male suspect died July 19 when a residential townhome caught fire during a lengthy barricade situation involving domestic violence allegations and law enforcement tactical operations.
Los Angeles Police Department personnel responded to the residence located on the 5700 block of Owensmouth Avenue near Burbank Boulevard at approximately 3:15 p.m. following a domestic violence complaint.
Initial officers determined that the suspect refused to exit the residence. SWAT personnel were summoned to the location at approximately 6 p.m. to establish a tactical perimeter and facilitate suspect removal through negotiation and law enforcement intervention protocols.
During ongoing tactical operations, law enforcement deployed tear gas in attempts to compel the suspect to vacate the structure. Investigators later determined that the suspect intentionally initiated a fire within the residence during the standoff.
The Los Angeles Fire Department received notification of structure fire activity at approximately 6:41 p.m. Fire personnel responded to the middle unit of a three-unit townhome complex where heavy smoke and flames were visible emanating from the two-story structure. The LAFD situation log documented active gunfire and heavy smoke conditions during initial fire suppression operations.
Nearby residential units were evacuated as a precautionary measure. After firefighting personnel established control of the fire and gained access to the interior, they discovered the suspect deceased inside the burned structure.
A woman, believed to be the suspect’s wife, sustained injuries during the incident. The nature and severity of injuries sustained by the woman were not immediately specified in available information.
Firefighting operations continued into Monday morning. More than 60 fire suppression personnel were required to fully extinguish the blaze and secure the scene. Investigation into the circumstances of the fire and the suspect’s death remains ongoing.