UPDATE: Over 100 firefighters swarm upscale Trader Joe’s as suspect barricades himself inside, holds hostages, possible children

Authorities say a 28-year-old California man has already shot two people before fleeing in his grandmother’s car, crashing it into the Trader Joe’s off of Hyperion Avenue in Los Angeles.

A suspect in his late teens barricaded inside the store, is apparently telling police that he’ll start shooting if they try to enter the store. As CrimeOnline previously reported, the incident occurred after the suspect led police on a chase starting in South L.A., after he allegedly shot his grandmother and girlfriend. The suspect apparently crashed his car into the store, opened fire at the officers following him, the rushed inside the store. The suspect’s girlfriend was reportedly inside the car with him.

The suspect reportedly stole his grandmother’s Toyota Camry, which was found at the scene.

Several people climbed out of windows and down ladders to escape, while others ran to a nearby business to hide. CBS News reports that a terrified father said he was separated from his children and feared they may still be inside the store.

Possible Active Shooter At Silver Lake Trader Joe's

WATCH LIVE: CBS2 reporters are at the scene of a possible active shooter situation at the Trader Joe's near Hyperion and Rowena in Silver Lake. LAPD said the man shot his grandmother and girlfriend in South L.A. before leading police on a pursuit and crashing his car outside the store. Full story: https://cbsloc.al/2NAhPDb #SilverLake #TraderJoes

Posted by CBS Los Angeles on Saturday, July 21, 2018

 

Around a dozen hostages have been released and police are currently communicating with the suspect. The suspect reportedly forced the hostages to the back of the store while negotiating with police.

The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

*Editor’s Note* Earlier reports indicated that the suspect was in his late teens. Authorities confirmed this to be in inaccurate. The story has been update to reflect the suspect’s age is 28.

[Feature Photo: CBS Los Angeles/Video Screenshot]