LONG BEACH, Calif. – Authorities have arrested a man accused of shooting at five Long Beach police officers who were attempting to arrest his brother for an earlier shooting, police said Saturday.
Jason Santiago Gonzalez of Long Beach, 24, allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers from a nearby location while they were investigating a shooting on April 16 in the area of Market Street and Cedar Avenue — which was later connected to his brother, David Santiago Gonzalez, 30, the Long Beach Police Department reported.
Jason Gonzalez was located by detectives in Gardena on Friday and was booked on five counts of attempted murder, one count of negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of methamphetamine for sale.
His bail was set at $5 million.
The original shooting occurred at about 12:40 a.m. on April 16.
“A group of subjects had been involved in a dispute that escalated when a male adult suspect produced a firearm, fired shots, and fled to a nearby multi-unit residence,” LBPD spokesman Brad Fahey told City News Service. “As officers were arriving, they heard multiple shots being fired in the area.”
The suspect in that incident fled the scene and barricaded in a nearby apartment building. Officers set up a perimeter around the building and a SWAT team began the process of calling out individuals from inside to determine if they were involved in the shooting, Fahey said.
Officers were attempting to have David Gonzalez surrender when Jason Gonzalez allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers.
“This unacceptable act of violence committed against our police officers serves as a stark reminder of the inherent danger in the law enforcement profession,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said. “I commend the brave officers who risk their lives every day to keep our community safe.”
LBPD homicide detectives urged anyone with information regarding either suspect or either shooting to call them at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.