Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Knife-Wielding Woman Refuses to Leave Home of 'American Pie' Actor
Actor Eddie Kaye Thomas at the 2012 premiere of 'American Reunion' in Los Angeles (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
()
A woman who spent the night at the Hollywood Hills home of actor Eddie Kaye Thomas refused to leave Wednesday morning, and armed with a knife remained barricaded inside during a police standoff that lasted nearly six-and-a-half hours.
Thomas, best known for playing Paul Finch in the "American Pie" film series, was initially in his home and was held at knifepoint by the unidentified suspect, according to unconfirmed reports, says CBS2. Thomas allegedly escaped and contacted authorities, who surrounded the residence.
The Los Angeles Police Department sharpshooters were brought to the scene, and negotiations were attempted before ultimately SWAT officers set off diversionary flash- bang grenades and fired teargas into the home in order to retrieve the woman, according to City News Service.
The suspect, described only as a woman in her late teens or early 20s, was taken into custody at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. In addition to the standoff, the suspect is facing felony vandalism charges for allegedly trashing property inside Thomas' home.
Support for LAist comes from
The incident had another star on edge: Thomas' neighbor Minnie Driver. The actress chronicled her experience on Twitter:
Armed man has barricaded himself into the house just below mine. Swarming police. My dog is on high alert. #noescape
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) April 18, 2013
It's not an armed man, it's a disgruntled woman. Disgruntled is probably the wrong word..just had five rounds of year has explosions
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) April 18, 2013
Tear gas I mean sodding iPhone !!!!
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) April 18, 2013
We are all sitting on the floor in the living room. Henry has a baseball glove and I'm eyeing the wine. Feel sad for this barricaded woman..
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) April 18, 2013
And yes I meant glove not bat.
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) April 18, 2013
Fortunately Driver and her son pulled through.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist