Alleged Thief Who Took Hostage Surrenders
A suspected purse snatcher who allegedly took a woman hostage and holed up for more than 10 hours in the victim’s home surrendered to police Thursday.
Authorities said the man, who wasn’t identified, was flushed out shortly before 7 a.m. after SWAT team members fired tear gas canisters into the home. The 64-year-old woman was released unharmed shortly after 5:35 a.m., said Police Sgt. Ron Buckholtz.
Police said two gunmen stole a pair of purses from two women walking in a shopping center parking lot about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday. One was caught a short time later, police said. The second man ran into the Portola Drive house.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
