Los Angeles: A paroled gang member with a history of committing violent crimes was arrested Sunday night after refusing to comply with police instructions, brandishing a handgun at officers and attempting to elude arrest by hiding in a residential attic. He ultimately surrendered to SWAT officers after a 12-hour stand off.
On February 25, 2007, at approximately 11:25 a.m., police from Van Nuys Area station were dispatched to a man with a gun call at a residence in the 7500 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard. Officers had been summoned to the same location earlier in the morning for an assault with a deadly weapon call, but the suspect was gone when they arrived. When officers returned a second time, they saw the suspect, Gonzalo Escoto, 34, in a vehicle. Officers followed Escoto as he parked near his residence and fled on foot. Police then saw Escoto remove a handgun from his waistband and point it in the officers' direction. Police Officer III Paul Williams, 40, 17 years with the department, fired his weapon. The suspect was not struck.
Escoto ran into the house and barricaded himself, refusing to come out. Police officers learned that Escoto was still armed. LAPD SWAT was summoned. During the course of the day, Escoto repeatedly refused to surrender despite the deployment by police of over 100 canisters of tear gas into the house. SWAT officers eventually entered the residence and located Escoto in the attic. He was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect's weapon was not recovered.
Escoto is a confirmed gang member and parolee. He was previously deported for violent crimes and returned to the United States illegally. When taken into custody, he was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol. Subsequent to his arrest, he was transported to Valley Presbyterian Hospital as a precaution and later released to police custody.
Escoto was charged for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene and are investigating both the officer-involved shooting and the assault with a deadly weapon on the officers.
Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.
I hope that when this suspect has completied his time in prison that he is deported. This is rediculous. He is a known gang member and a ILLEGAL ALIEN. He should of been picked up long ago and kicked out of this country. Instead he is here ILLEGALLY and committing crimes.
Posted by: Harry | February 28, 2025 at 07:52 PM
Hey Paul, remember sight alignment, j/k. Glad your partner and you came out alright.
Posted by: Centurion | February 28, 2025 at 11:45 PM
I was at this incident the entire time. Van Nuys officers and other patrol division officers quickly locked down the area, got the people they could out of harms way, and stood ready to protect the community against the immediate threat of a drug crazed gang member bent on harming others, including his family.
Our Air Support crews were a great asset in coordinating everyone into position and watching the house where the suspect was barricaded.
I also commend our SWAT officers for their professionalism in working for ten hours to apprehend this person without loss of life or injury. They are truly the best of the best.
For the community, I hope you understand why there are days when your calls for service get significantly delayed because of just such an event. We are razor thin in the number of officers who actually conduct patrol operations (translated: available to help you) and it only takes one such event to impact a large portion of the City.
Unfortunately, with about 10% of our force injured or on leave, about 10% dedicated to make sure we can comply with the Consent Decree and 15% learning the job, there are few left for the primary mission of this Department. We actually have far fewer people in patrol now then we did over 20 years ago.
LAPD is your police force. How long will you be satisfied with your tax dollars paying for everything except an officer who is available to save your life?
Posted by: Bob Davis | March 04, 2025 at 12:09 PM