Hostage taking ends in tragedy
Renowned scientists killed before convention
Two world leading scientists in tissue reproduction and cloning have been killed by a lone hostage taker after an 8 hour stand off with police, SWAT and F.B.I. The gunman is believed to be an extremist who was here to protest potential human cloning. It has also been reported that the man had been taking deadly cocktails of drugs before and during the incident.
The two scientists, both from Heiligendamm in Germany, were in L.A to represent the EU in a world conference to discuss a number of issues and scientific advances, including altering tissue growth for medicine. For reasons unkown, the scientists decided to rent out a house two-miles away from the conference, instead of residing in the hotel that had been secured for lodging.
The police first received a call at 1pm from concerned citizens who saw the suspect walk into the property that the scientists were staying in with what appeared to be an assault rifle. Police quickly surrounded the house and negotiators started trying to reason with the man. Fire engines and paramedics were also dispatched to the scene. Although SWAT memebrs were already on scene, they lacked the equipment to mount an assault as the rescue trucks were across town at another incident. Initially, the police were unaware of who the hostages were, but tensions did rise when the scientists were identified.
Fears hightened even more when one of the scientists was dragged infront of one of the windows, her face covered in blood from wounds inflicted on her.
Realising that they were dealing with an exceptional incident, F.B.I were called to the scene to start negotiations with the man. A command centre was set up where authorities were able to contact the man through a land line.
Soon after the F.B.I arrived, SWAT units appeared on scene with shields and stun gas. F.B.I sharp shooters and agents armed with MP5s also surrounded the residence as negotiations continued. However, the windows were boarded up, making a sniper shot impossible. This was used to police advantage though, as SWAT teams stacked up one side of the house, ready for the go ahead.
But before the go ahead is given, things take a turn for the worse. One of the hostages is dumped out the front door step with several bullet wounds in her. Accompanied by a couple of SWAT members, a fire fighter makes his way to the woman and brings her back to the ambulance. The woman is pronounced dead on the scene. Fears for the other scientist, the SWAT teams are ordered to back down while police continue with their negotiations. With no clear aim or ransom, it makes it very hard to defuse the situation.
Just after 9PM, the situation explodes. The man leaves the house and opens fire on police with an automatic rifle. Officers return fire, killing the man instantly. Luckily, no police officers were hit in the shootout, only a police cruiser which received minor damages.
Fearing for the other scientist, The SWAT team mounts their assault and quickly clears the building, only finding the other woman inside in critical condition. Medics immediatly rush towards the house where they start life saving treatment. Sadly, the woman died shortly after arriving at hospital.
Sorry if the images are too small, but photobucket seems to be getting worse now
