Man arrested after hours-long SWAT standoff, deadly shooting in South Los Angeles

A suspect was arrested after an hours-long SWAT standoff following a deadly shooting in South Los Angeles Saturday.

Los Angeles police responded to a home near 23rd Street and Arlington Avenue in the Jefferson Park neighborhood around 1:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they found the victim, a 90-year-old man, lying on the ground outside with stab wounds. As police approached the victim, the male suspect, Andrew Smith, 40, began firing at them from inside the home.

“The officers had no choice but to retreat,” said LAPD spokesperson Bruce Borihanh. “They did attempt one more time, but being as dangerous as it is, they had to back out of that danger zone and contain the scene.”

Police moved away from the residence and called in SWAT team members for backup. Authorities attempted to contact Smith, but he refused to cooperate and remained barricaded inside the home for nearly eight hours.

SWAT members eventually entered the home and found Smith in a second-floor bedroom where was taken into custody shortly after 9 p.m. He was transported to the hospital with injuries.

He was treated for numerous self-inflicted stab wounds and lacerations and was listed in critical but stable condition. He was not struck by police gunfire.

The 90-year-old victim, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded 9mm assault rifle-style semi-automatic pistol, three high-capacity magazines, a large
folding knife and two large, fixed-blade knives were found inside the home.

Neighbors told KTLA’s Lindsey Pena that the victim was reportedly trying to speak to a renter at a home that he owned when he was shot. Authorities have not confirmed that detail or provided a motive behind the deadly shooting.

The officers involved in the incident were identified as Bryan Ponce and Angel Romo. Police are searching for additional victims who may have been threatened by the suspect. Neither the suspect’s nor the victim’s identities were released.

No injuries to officers or bystanders were reported during the standoff. The area remained closed for several hours as police investigated the scene on Saturday night.

“Thank you to our community members for your patience and continued support,” LAPD officials said.