Police Hit Suspect and Wound Hostage
Los Angeles Police shot a knife-wielding man and accidentally wounded his former girlfriend after he had taken the woman hostage Wednesday in a Mid-Wilshire office building and threatened to kill her, authorities said.
Eddie Larez, 30, suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh, and Diane Ochoa, 28, was wounded in the left knee, police said. Both were in serious condition at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Witnesses told investigators that Larez went to the building at 3727 W. 6th Street where Ochoa works shortly before 8:30 a.m. and took her hostage following a dispute over why she had recently ended their relationship.
Investigators said officers tried to negotiate with Larez for several minutes, but he repeatedly threatened to stab Ochoa.
“He was holding the woman out in front of him,” said Detective Ron Karlson. “The officers did not intend for her to be wounded.”
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