Nine-hour Downey standoff ends in arrest

A suspected gunman was arrested Tuesday after barricading himself in an apartment building in Downey, forcing the evacuation of 40 to 50 people during a nine-hour standoff with police, authorities said.

The incident started about 9 p.m. Monday when police tracked an assault suspect believed to be armed with a firearm to an apartment complex in the 9200 block of Elm Vista Drive, said Downey police Sgt. Terry Goeckner.

The man shut himself inside and refused to surrender to police, and authorities evacuated nearby residents.

The confrontation ended shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday when a sheriff's SWAT team used tear gas to gain entry into the apartment and arrest the man.

ALSO:

California Supreme Court to hear key gay marriage arguments

Sheriff's Explorers seek witnesses in slaying of one of their own

South Pasadena parking lot could be site for new mixed-use project

--Tony Barboza

Photo: SWAT officers surround an apartment in Downey during a 9-hour standoff. Credit: KTLA-TV