With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support 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.
Manhunt For Ex-Cop Christopher Dorner Continues
Pictures provided by Los Angeles Police Department of alleged suspect Christopher Dorner are displayed during briefing on February 7, 2013 in Los Angeles (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
()
In a rare and broadly-scoped instance of the hunter being the hunted, the Los Angeles Police Department and other Southern California law enforcement agencies are continuing the search for murder suspect Christopher Jordan Dorner.
The search centered around the community of Big Bear Thursday afternoon and into the night, following the discovery of a burning pickup truck belonging to Dorner off an access road in the mountain town.
All the areas where someone could have walked away from the truck were being searched by ground and the hunt continued into the night, according to Cindy Bachman of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, reports City News Service. Bachman said deputies were going door-to-door to speak with residents and occupants of cabins, though admittedly many of the residences would be vacant on a Thursday.
Complicating the search is a winter storm hitting the area that's expected to dump up to four inches of snow.
Support for LAist comes from
It's not known if Dorner did indeed take off on foot into the wooded terrain, or if the burning truck was merely a smoke screen tactic to distract authorities.
According to a live report on KTLA, authorities are focusing on a wooded area about a mile from Bear Mountain ski resort.
Dorner, 33, began his violent rampage on Sunday when he is thought to have fatally shot a young couple in Irvine as they sat in their car near their home. Irvine Police were baffled at why Keith Lawrence and his fiancee, Cal State Fullerton basketball coach Monica Quan, were targeted. A "manifesto" document posted online by Dorner revealed the ex-cop was targeting the children of former LAPD colleagues of his who he believed did him wrong and contributed to his losing his job with the force.
Quan's father is Randy Quan, a former LAPD captain who represented Dorner during his review hearings prior to his dismissal.
In his manifesto, Dorner singles out several people by name. Today, protective details remain in place to ensure the safety of those LAPD personnel and their families, say authorities.
Thursday morning, one such detail, sent from the LAPD Newton Division, were shot at by Dorner in their vehicle in Corona. Shortly after, Dorner shot two Riverside Police Department patrol officers in their vehicle in an ambush-style attack, killing one and seriously wounding the other. No connection between Dorner, the LAPD, and the Riverside officers has been established.
By Thursday afternoon, the discovery of the burning truck in Big Bear shifted the focus of the manhunt--expanded to a statewide "Blue Alert"--to the mountain resort town in San Bernardino County. While area ski resorts were closed Thursday and schools were on lockdown, the ski resorts will be open today, though some schools will not.
Support for LAist comes from
The LAPD has been on a full tactical alert, which extends officers' shifts, since shortly after the Thursday morning shootings in Riverside County, according to the LAPD.
Dorner is considered armed and extremely dangerous, and anyone who believes they see him should not contact him, but rather contact 911 immediately.
A 9 a.m. press conference is scheduled in the Big Bear area.
Related:
Ex-LAPD Cop Christopher Dorner Believed to Be on Killing Rampage Targeting Law Enforcement
Christopher Dorner's Manifesto, In Full [Content Graphic and Disturbing]
Who Is Christopher Dorner? What You Need To Know About The Ex-Cop On A Rampage
Police Shoot Newspaper Delivery Women Mistaken For Christopher Dorner During Manhunt [UPDATED]
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on Hunt for Christopher Dorner: 'Nobody Else Needs to Die'
Killer Cop Christopher Dorner's Rambling Manifesto Praises Charlie Sheen, Anthony Bourdain, Gov. Chris Christie And More
Wounded Riverside Cop Shot By Dorner Expected to Survive, Suspect's Connection to Riverside Unclear
Christopher Dorner's Burned Truck Found Near Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Resort Shut Down
Mayor Villaraigosa on Revenge-Seeking Ex-Cop Dorner: He's 'apparently a sick individual'
KFI Radio Host Tells Christopher Dorner To Turn Himself In: 'Your Story Will Come Out'
Anderson Cooper Reveals Dorner Sent Him a Package
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Heavy rain from the early-season storm could trigger debris flows. Snow is also possible above 7,000 feet. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership announces that 11% of the workforce is being cut. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.
Best of LAist