Stand-Off with Violent Suspect at Trader Joe’s NR18197dm

July 23, 2018

Los Angeles: On July 21, 2018, around 1:30 p.m., Newton Area uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting which occurred in Newton Division. The suspect (Gene Atkins, DOB: 1/12/90) shot his grandmother and injured another female who was at the location where the shooting took place. The suspect then fled in his grandmother’s vehicle with the injured female. The vehicle, which was driven by the suspect, was equipped with LoJack and a pursuit involving Hollywood Division officers ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the officers. The suspect eventually crashed the vehicle and an officer involved shooting occurred; the suspect sustained a single gunshot wound to his left arm. There were no officers injured. The suspect ran into the Trader Joe’s, located at 2738 Hyperion Avenue, and proceeded to hold hostage over 40 employees and customers for several hours. During this incident, a female employee was struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at scene. Our Robbery Homicide and Force Investigation Division detectives are working diligently to understand how that employee was struck by gunfire. We hope to know more following an autopsy and ballistics tests. A second victim, a 22-year-old female, was injured due to glass fragments and transported herself to a local hospital for treatment. A handgun was recovered inside the Trader Joe’s.

Los Angeles Police Department officers and investigators were on scene for multiple hours negotiating with the suspect. During the stand-off, the suspect requested the officers provide him handcuffs; the suspect handcuffed himself and eventually surrendered. The Los Angeles Fire Department was additionally on scene with multiple personnel and multiple rescue ambulances; they evaluated a total of 10 people and transported six to local hospitals. None of the individuals transported had any life-threatening injuries or conditions.

Los Angeles Police Department’s specialized Force Investigation Division and Robbery Homicide Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence.

Anyone who has not been interviewed by the Los Angeles Police Department, and has any information regarding this incident, is urged to call the LAPD at (213) 486-6850.

Additionally, cars and/or personal property left in Trader Joe’s, or in the parking lot, can now be picked up. Cars can be picked up by meeting with the Trader Joe’s security in their parking lot 24 hours a day with proof of ownership. Personal property can be retrieved until 6 p.m. today (July 22, 2018) or from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. tomorrow (July 23, 2018).