UPDATED AT 8:40 P.M.
Here is an official update just issued by members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department regarding the situation on Iroquois Avenue in Lakewood. This was sent to Los Cerritos Community Newspaper at 8:39 p.m.
“On May 14, 2013, LASD personnel went to the 5200 blk of Iroquois Ave regarding a possible suspect living at the residence. The suspect was on active community supervision status for assault with a deadly weapon and had prior arrests for possession of narcotics, possession of a deadly weapon, and ex-felon in possession of a deadly weapon.
When the deputies arrived at the location, the suspect refused to exit and hid in a crawl space underneath the residence.
The suspect ignored commands to exit the residence. A containment was established and the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Canine Units were requested.
SEB Canine Units made numerous announcements for the suspect to surrender, but to no avail. After several hours, the deputies deployed non-lethal devices and the suspect surrendered without incident.
While searching the residence for further evidence deputies located a make-shift door hatch which led to an underground tunnel beneath the residence. The tunnels were searched and found to contain what appeared to be explosive devices.
Surrounding residents were evacuated and the LASD Arson/ Explosive Detail was called around 6:00 PM this evening.
The devices were rendered safe about 2 hours later (about 8:00 PM) and the evacuation lifted. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending further investigation.”
Location where evacuations in Lakewood are taking place on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Arson/Explosives investigators are at 5200 Block of Iroquois Ave, Lakewood investigating a possible explosive device in a home, subsequent to an arrest.
The surrounding community which includes all residences inside the perimeter of Candlewood Street, Dashwood Street and Josie Avenue In the city of Lakewood should be immediately evacuated for the safety of the public.
An evacuation center has been established at the community center at Jose San Martin Park, 5231 Ocana Avenue, Lakewood. The area is near the San Gabriel River and west of the 605 Freeway.
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper will have additional details about this situation throughout the night.
