This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Latebreaking mayhem
Three people died today in a shootout at a Denny's in Pismo Beach, including the suicidal gunman who stormed in and fired at strangers. Two others survived with injuries. The shooter was an as-yet unidentified elderly man who carried "confusing" identification.
In Culver City, a teacher was killed and several students were injured by a car that jumped a curb onto a crowded sidewalk. Early reports say a couple was in the car arguing when the passenger grabbed the wheel, sending the vehicle into the crowd.
Talk about your dumb criminals: a murder suspect drove onto the 405 to make his getaway from police. "Traffic is really stop and go," a newscaster said over the tape as the vehicle sideswiped cars trying to make some headway. Remarkably, he reached an exit, but later surrendered. Look on the right for the video web extra on KCAL's site.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
