LOS ANGELES, CA – A 90-year-old man was fatally stabbed in South Los Angeles over the weekend, and the suspect was taken into custody with multiple self-inflicted wounds following a tense standoff with police.
Initial Response and Discovery
On Saturday afternoon, officers with the LAPD Southwest Division were dispatched to the 2300 block of West 23rd Street around 1:10 p.m. following a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. The 911 call indicated that the victim, an elderly man, was found lying unresponsive in front of the house.
When officers arrived, they located the man on the ground and attempted to approach him. At that moment, a male suspect emerged from the residence and opened fire on officers before retreating inside.
Standoff and Rescue Operation
Due to the active threat, officers established a secure perimeter and called in the SWAT team. A joint rescue mission was then launched by SWAT personnel and the L.A. Fire Department’s Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) team. They successfully retrieved the 90-year-old victim from the scene. However, despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead from apparent stab wounds.
The victim’s identity has not been released, and investigators have not confirmed the nature of his relationship to the suspect as per KTLA.
Suspect Apprehended after Standoff
After a prolonged standoff, SWAT officers entered the home and found the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Andrew Smith, in a second-floor bedroom. Smith was taken into custody without further incident but was suffering from multiple self-inflicted stab wounds and lacerations.
He was transported to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. Police confirmed that Smith was not struck by gunfire during the standoff.
Weapons Recovered at Scene
Officers recovered a significant cache of weapons from the scene, including:
- A loaded 9mm assault-style semi-automatic pistol
- Three high-capacity magazines
- One large folding knife
- Two large fixed-blade knives
All items were collected as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Dangers of Violent Crimes in Domestic Settings
This incident underscores the dangers that can arise in residential environments, particularly when mental health, access to weapons, or interpersonal conflict are involved. Elderly individuals are among the most vulnerable and are often unable to defend themselves against violent attacks.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
The LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division and Force Investigation Division are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the homicide and standoff. Police continue to emphasize the importance of early reporting in volatile situations, which can help prevent further violence or loss of life.
If you have thoughts on this case or wish to share your concerns, feel free to leave a comment below. Community awareness and involvement are key to preventing similar tragedies.
