Man accused of causing active shooter scare at Downey Kaiser pleads not guilty

DOWNEY, Calif. (KABC) -- The man accused of pulling out a gun at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Downey, causing a massive evacuation and police response, was officially charged on Thursday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Jesus Rafael Chavez faces two counts of having a concealed firearm and one count of vandalism over $400. His case includes an allegation of being armed with a handgun.

The Lynwood man pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 25.

RELATED: Suspect in custody after reports of shots fired at Kaiser hospital in Downey

Police said Chavez prompted an active-shooter scare at the facility on Tuesday.

Witnesses said he was upset over a missed appointment, pulled a gun and threw a chair through a window at one point.


Investigators said no shots were ever fired and Chavez surrendered.