Man Gives Up After Standoff

A 45-year-old Westminster man distraught over domestic problems surrendered peacefully Tuesday evening after firing several gunshots in the air and barricading himself in his business for nearly four hours, police said.

Richard Morales, who owns Bear’s State Auto Glass in the 8100 block of Westminster Avenue, held about 25 officers at bay before calling the police station and agreeing to surrender, Lt. Bill Lewis said.

No one was injured in the standoff, which began about 4:45 p.m. when an intoxicated Morales began “breaking things in the business,” Lewis said. His employees called police, who arrived on the scene to hear Morales fire several shots from the rear of the business, probably into the air.

The employees left the business, and Morales closed himself inside. Police worked for hours to establish telephone contact with Morales, but were unable to do so, Lewis said.

The man finally called the police station himself and spoke to a hostage negotiator, who convinced him to surrender. He was taken into custody about 8:35 p.m.

Lewis said police had not yet decided what charges they would file against Morales.