Buddhist Temple Guard Arrested in Shooting

A security guard at the Hsi Lai temple was arrested after shooting at three teenagers who were looking for a party, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies said.

Lt. Randy Olson said the teenagers drove past the temple twice about 2 a.m. Sunday. The temple, in the 3400 block of Glenarm Street, was the site of a 1995 fund-raiser featuring Vice President Al Gore that is now the focus of congressional hearings.

Security guard Scott Goldsworthy, 45, of Rosemead ordered the teenagers to stop and get out of the car, Olson said. Goldsworthy pointed his .38-caliber pistol at the teenagers and ordered them to lie on the ground, telling them they were under arrest.

The teenagers dashed back into the car, and Goldsworthy fired three shots, one of which hit the car, Olson said. The teenagers flagged down a patrolling sheriff’s car and Goldsworthy was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Olson said. He is scheduled to be arraigned today.

The Hsi Lai temple is the largest Buddhist temple outside Asia and attracts visitors from throughout the world.