Firefighters readied for fire attack on a well involved Chatsworth home while Los Angeles Police Department took an armed suspect into custody.

At 1:57PM on December 1, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9600 block of N Laramie Ave in Chatsworth. The first arriving fire company found heavy smoke showing from a one story, single family dwelling. However, this was an unusual incident because firefighters received multiple reports of an armed suspect in the home, causing the fire. Due to the immediate threat to life safety, crews staged while the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded in.

The smoke grew more intense and soon flames were visible as the situation quickly evolved. LAPD could not make access to the backyard, where the suspect was located, due to the blaze and requested LAFD provide relief.  As firefighters deployed a hand line from a defensive position, officers were able to rapidly take the suspect into custody.

With the situation now safe to operate, firefighters quickly executed an offensive operation against the well involved home. Over 70 firefighters, operating under the command of Battalion Chief Jesus De La Cruz, extinguished the fire in 23 minutes and successfully defended the adjacent homes from any damage.

Out of extreme caution, the elementary school across the street was temporarily placed on lock down and evacuated with the assistance of Los Angeles School Police. The lockdown was quickly lifted due to LAPD's rapid apprehension of the suspect.

The approximately 50yo female suspect was transported in grave condition and pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

The tremendous teamwork of LAFD, LAPD and LASPD ensured no one else was injured and no other homes were damaged. This was a dynamic incident requiring closely coordinated actions between all three agencies to resolve it in only 23 minutes.

INCIDENT PHOTOS