According to a report from ABC7, a 45-year-old male was taken into custody after a massive fire erupted at an apartment building in the Westlake District of Los Angeles Thursday.
More than 100 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) members responded to 2800 W 7th Street at around 5:30 p.m. LAFD Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman said firefighters were working on the interior, which prompted roof operations and ventilation, because of the consideration of occupants still inside the structure.
It took the LAFD around 53 minutes to extinguish the flames. However, the structure’s second floor is considered a total loss.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) called the LAFD to the building after a tense encounter with a 45-year-old man they say was accused of battery.
LAPD Commander Aaron Ponce said they had identified the suspect as the battery victim’s brother. Officers then went to the woman’s apartment on the second floor to further investigate. Ponce said when they arrived, the door was barricaded by a couch.
When officers tried to push it open, they saw the suspect with a knife, leading to a lengthy standoff. At one point, the suspect threw furniture, clothes, and even trash that was on fire at police.
The suspect then attempted to escape by leaping off the balcony and onto the roof. Police gave chase, eventually apprehending the suspect. The suspect now faces several charges.
LAPD Officers evacuated 10 people from eight upstairs apartments as well as five businesses on the first floor.
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