Sylmar Barricade Suspect Found Dead In His House
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A man involved in an hours-long standoff with Los Angeles police officers has been found dead in his house.
It is unclear if the man, who was not identified, took his own life, but the LAPD said a rifle was found near his body.
Earlier Monday, police blasted tear gas into his home and traded gunfire with the man suspected of critically wounding an officer during an 18-hour standoff.
Police also used a forklift-like machine to rip open several walls in the suspect's home.
Authorities said the suspect fired at officers numerous times during the standoff including one 45-minute period of heavy firing.
The wounded officer, Steven Jenkins, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He was reportedly shot in the jaw and near his collarbone. He will reportedly need more operations on his jaw, said officials. Jenkins is a 22-year veteran of the police department.
His wife is an LAPD Sergeant and his son is also on the force.
The standoff began after police arrived on a domestic violence call. Chief Charlie Beck said the suspect's wife was badly battered. She was treated at the scene for scrapes and bruises to her face and neck.
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