Coroner Identifies Man Who Shot Himself At Universal Theme Park
UNIVERSAL CITY (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County coroner's office has identified a man who shot and killed himself at the Universal Studios theme park on Friday afternoon.
Andrew Thomas Jones, 38, was a resident of Fullerton, according to coroner's investigator Kristy McCracken. He shot himself to death near a restaurant where his ex-girlfriend works, using a gun he was able to sneak into the theme park.
Authorities said the incident happened in an area designated for smokers behind the Despicable Me ride and fun zone, which is the park's newest attraction. The incident was out of the view of many but children and families were nearby.
Investigators said the man had a restraining order against him but in the last few weeks continued to show up at the theme park, where his estranged girlfriend works. Security was notified when she saw him.
A deputy recognized the man from prior context and approached him, according to Lt. Eddie Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"This individual stood up, turned around, retrieved a handgun from his back pocket or somewhere in his back area," the lieutenant said.
The deputy said the man pulled the trigger 30 seconds later.
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