Gunman Kills Three in California Before Surrendering
A gunman has killed two men and a woman, and wounded two others, with his semiautomatic rifle in a residential neighborhood of Pasadena, Calif., Saturday afternoon. He also opened fire on police, but was later persuaded by negotiators to surrender.
Several residents called 911 for help after hearing shots being fired Saturday. On arriving at the scene, police found the gunman barricaded in a home after "shooting indiscriminately" at people passing by, Lt. Vasken Gourdikian of the Pasadena Police Department was quoted as saying.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old John Izeal Smith, of Pasadena, also fired heavily on officers, police said.
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However, the suspect called the police department's communications center and was persuaded by negotiators to surrender, police reported.
"Not only did the suspect shoot and kill an individual inside the home that started this horrific incident, but then he chased two female victims down armed with a semi-automatic rifle," said Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez.
One of those killed was described by police as a "good Samaritan." He was in his 20s.
"It appeared that he approached the house to see what was going on. He turned around and ran and was struck by gunfire," Pasadena Police Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls was quoted as saying.
Sanchez also said the shooter and some of his victims seemed to have had a tenant-landlord relationship. But he did not elaborate.
Another man, believed to be in his 70s, was killed inside the home. A woman, also in her 70s, was found dead on the sidewalk. The suspect may have had a landlord-tenant dispute with her, according to NBC.
Another man and a woman suffered injuries, but were not said to be serious.
The shooting was reported in the 1700 block of Summit Avenue about 4:20 p.m. local time.
"It is a horrific day for Pasadena," Sanchez said. "It's a tragedy."
Smith had a rifle and two handguns, according to police. He was being held after being booked on three counts of murder.
