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Police Fatally Shoot 75-Year-Old Man At His Bel-Air Home
Police officers shot and killed an elderly Bel-Air resident on the balcony of his home over the weekend in an early morning standoff.The LAPD arrived at the home of Robert Bandler, 75, on Sunday around 4 a.m. after receiving a call from a utility company employee who had visited the man's house for a potential gas leak. When the worker arrived at the home, he reported he was confronted with a handgun, according to KTLA. Authorities arrived to find Bandler sitting on his balcony armed with a shotgun, and an officer opened fire on the man and killed him. Officials reported the officers felt their lives were in danger.
Although the police didn't confirm the identity of the resident, neighbors had pointed him to be Bandler, with a mix of different opinions. While neighbor Bran Lawson told NBC Los Angeles that he was a "sweet man," another neighbor, Steven Verona told KTLA a little more:
"Bob had issues, as they say. Bob was supposedly a Vietnam vet," Verona said, adding that Bandler "was a major alcoholic, at times, who would go through periods where he'd be fine—one of the sweetest guys in the whole world. But here we are."
Neighbors reported that Bandler had inherited the home from his parents, according to CBS Los Angeles, and that his family had owned the multimillion dollar home since the 1930s. Authorities recovered a handgun and a shotgun from the scene of the crime.
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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.
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