The time is about 2 o’ clock PM when a call comes into the LAPD with reports of gunshots at 5007 La Roda Ave., less than half a mile from Eagle Rock High School. The suspect is allegedly with a child and armed as he approaches a home.
At around 2:23 PM, students are instructed to stay in the classroom and teachers are told to not let students leave the buildings. There is no announcement from Steinorth yet. The school is on an unofficial lockdown. Helicopters can be heard from classrooms from this point on.
At 2:49 PM an announcement comes through the PA system that is preceded with a brief clip of police radio chatter. Steinorth announces an official lockdown. A scream is heard from outside the liberal arts building. The scream can be heard all the way from the third floor of the school and is from an unknown origin. Police confirm that there are 3 people unaccounted for as they continue their siege.
At 2:54 a suspect involved in the shooting is contacted by phone and is communicating with police negotiators. Moments later at 2:55 the police deployed armored units to the premises and took tactical control of the situation. The suspect has reportedly barricaded himself and appears to be injured. Moments later police confirm the suspect has suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, however it is unclear how he has suffered such an injury.
At 2:56 when police attempt to approach the barricade, a single gunshot is heard inside.
3:05 PM, police locate the suspect barricaded on the porch of a local home. Suspect has been shot in the chest and is bleeding heavily. He is conscious and refuses to cooperate. The police are unable to locate the shooter’s gun. Minutes later at 3:09 PM police sirens can be heard from the school and it is confirmed that 3 people are still unaccounted for.
Later, at 3:15 PM police confirm that they have taken the suspect into custody and begin to search the house for unaccounted people and suspected victims. Moments later at 3:20 police report they have located the suspect’s gun and confirm that no additional individuals are down.
At 3:30 (dismissal time), police confirm that the Eagle Rock High School lockdown can be lifted. Vice Principal Tsui relays the message at 3:31. Students are free to leave the school. As they leave the school a medical emergency vehicle passes by the school via Yosemite Drive at 3:36.
After students have been let out, a group of Eagle Rock moms conceived on a Facebook Messenger group. They shared what their kids had told them about the situation. One mom who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her son's comprehensive research on the matter. His account goes as follows:
The situation began as a suicide attempt by the suspect. When police responded to the man he pulled a gun and threatened them. The suspect began to fire at the police and police returned fire, shooting the man in the chest.
The suspect retreated into a house with a 4-year old child and the 3 unaccounted for people. It is unclear if the man owned the home or not. He did not cooperate with police and concerns began to rise about the individual that was allegedly being held hostage by the suspect.
As the situation progressed the man began to bleed out and police were able to safely take him into custody and locate his gun. No other individuals endured bodily harm or injury.
More updates to come as the situation progresses.
Have an tips or corrections? Email us at erhsjournalism@gmail.com
happened to me once 💀