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.
Video: Fugitive Ex-Cop Christopher Dorner Seen Shopping for Scuba Gear
Is fugitive ex-cop and current triple murder suspect Christopher Dorner by the sea and not in the mountains? A water getaway may have been the former Los Angeles Police Department officer turned alleged revenge killer's plan, as video that's surfaced of Dorner shopping for scuba gear at a SoCal sporting goods store two days before his first suspected killing supports.
Dorner was caught on surveillance tape shopping at Sports Chalet in Torrance on February 1. "The video shows Dorner carrying in 2 small, yellow scuba tanks as he walks into the scuba section," explains TMZ, who obtained the video, adding: "Sources tell us ... Dorner got the tanks refilled with oxygen."
In the video Dorner, a onetime "member of a Naval undersea warfare unit," is also seen purchasing the tanks at the counter and engaging in what appears to be friendly banter with the cashier.
Dorner paid cash for the items, and left.
Support for LAist comes from
48 hours later, the bodies of Monica Quan and Keith Lawrence were found fatally shot in their parked car in Irvine. The couple is believed to have been Dorner's first killings, and Quan targeted because of her father Randy's past role in the LAPD process that led to Dorner's termination.
On February 6, Dorner attempted to steal a boat in the San Diego area, and "after subduing the captain, said he was taking the vessel to Mexico, according to an affidavit filed with a criminal complaint in federal court in Los Angeles," reports L.A. Now. But, as we know, the plan didn't come to fruition:
"The attempt failed when the bow line of the boat became caught in the boat's propeller, and the suspect fled," according to the affidavit by inspector U.S. Marshal Craig McClusky.
The scuba gear may have played a part in that ultimately- thwarted plan.
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
Social Media Cheers For Anti-Hero Christopher Dorner
What Friends, Neighbors And Coaches Say About Christopher Dorner
Ex Reported Christopher Dorner On DontDateHimGirl.com, Called Him 'Paranoid' And 'Twisted'
The Disturbing Story Of The Third Innocent Person Police Attacked In Christopher Dorner Manhunt
'Don't Shoot! I'm NOT DORNER!!' Bumper Stickers Hit eBay
Chris Dorner Sighting Leads to SWAT Shutdown of Valley Home Improvement Store
$1 Million Bounty Placed On Christopher Dorner's Head
Riverside Police Officer Allegedly Killed By Dorner Publicly Identified
Christopher Dorner Charged With Capital Murder, Attempted Murder
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
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
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.
Best of LAist