LOS ANGELES, CA – A tense standoff at a Long Beach church ended in gunfire Wednesday, leaving a suspect dead and a police officer injured, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
The incident began around 3 p.m. near Atlantic Avenue and 52nd Street when officers responded to reports of a man armed with a gun. Upon arrival, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, calling in a hostage negotiator and a mental health evaluation team, LBPD stated in a release.
Despite hours of negotiation efforts, the suspect remained uncooperative. SWAT officers were deployed to the scene, but at approximately 5:30 p.m., gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and police.
An officer was struck in the arm and transported to MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, where he is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery, according to Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
A firearm believed to belong to the suspect was recovered, police said.
The suspect’s body was found on the steps of the Iglesia del Cristo Miel Church along Atlantic Avenue. The area remained cordoned off for hours as detectives marked evidence and conducted their investigation.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as negotiations escalated. Resident Anthony Fresura told reporters he saw police pleading with the suspect to surrender. “I saw him stand up, and then I heard two shots ring out followed by more,” Fresura said.
The identity of the suspect has not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. Atlantic Avenue between 52nd and Market streets was closed to traffic during the police response.
“I am grateful for the swift response of the Long Beach Police Department,” Mayor Richardson said in a statement. “Our injured officer is in good spirits, and we are hopeful for his full recovery.”
The LBPD has called on anyone with information about the incident to contact the department’s homicide detail or submit an anonymous tip through local crime stoppers.
