Posted: 7:36 p.m., Updated 8:30 p.m., Updated: 11:40 p.m.
By Andrea Swayne
A standoff between a man with a gun and Laguna Beach Police—that had a section of Coast Highway between Crown Valley Parkway and 7th Avenue closed for over four hours—has ended.
The suspect, a 42-year-old Los Angeles man in a black Mustang, surrendered and was taken into custody Wednesday shortly before 10 p.m., about 30 minutes after police shot tear gas into the vehicle, said Sgt. Louise Callus of the Laguna Beach Police Department at about 10:30 p.m.
“We are still cleaning up in the area but expect to reopen Coast Highway within the next hour or two,” she said.
Police in Laguna Beach first began receiving 911 calls at about 5:30 p.m. reporting a five-car collision at Coast Highway and Vista Del Sol in south Laguna.
A man reportedly went to check on the driver of a black Mustang involved in the crash and called police after seeing a gun in the driver’s car, Callus said.
Laguna Beach police responded with guns drawn and the suspect initiated the standoff by refusing deputies’ instructions to exit the vehicle.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was requested to assist with traffic control shortly after 6 p.m.
OCSD deputies, including units from Dana Point, blocked access from Dana Point into Laguna Beach via northbound Coast Highway at Crown Valley Parkway, said Laguna Beach officer Lt. Steve Gil.
Southbound access into the area through Laguna, at Coast Highway and 7th Avenue, was also shut off.
The immediate area was evacuated and nearby residents were advised to remain indoors.
According to an update early on during the incident by Dana Point Police, possible shots were fired when Laguna Beach Police responded to the crash, although it remains unclear whether the suspect, officers or both were responsible for any gunfire.
The OCSD SWAT Team also responded.
No injuries were reported.
Stay tuned for updates.
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