Tarzana standoff ends as LAPD enters building, finds no suspects

Monday, October 22, 2018
TARZANA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An hours-long standoff - reported as armed robbery suspects barricaded with a hostage at a Tarzana marijuana dispensary - ended as police entered the location and found no one inside.

The incident began at 1:37 p.m. with a report of an armed robbery in the 18300 block of Ventura Boulevard. When officers arrived, they were told the suspects were still inside the building.
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Police believed four suspects, potentially armed, were inside the building, possibly with a female hostage. The suspects were allegedly trying to rob a marijuana dispensary in the back of the strip mall.

"We don't believe that there was a hostage situation inside," Sgt. Hector Guzman said. "Was she a victim? Was she a witness? Was she a suspect?"

Officers cordoned off the area, evacuated nearby businesses and warned the public to stay clear.

"It's very dangerous. When I heard about this, I was shocked. I told my brother, stay home. Do not come out," Jonathan Yacobi said.
But by around 9 p.m. police said SWAT officers had entered the building and found nobody inside.
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For now, police believe there are four suspects on the loose.



Authorities said they will review surveillance video from surrounding businesses.

At one point during the standoff, a man was detained, but it is not clear to what extent, if any, he was involved in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.
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