Man Accused Of Threatening To Shoot Long Beach Golfers In Custody
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A 53-year-old man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly making threats of shooting people on a golf course.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, Richard Lavalle carried a duffel bag around 7:30 a.m. onto the Recreation Gold Course, and allegedly made statements to golfers that he had a gun in his bag and may shoot someone.
Officers were sent to the 5000 block of Deukmejian Drive, where they located Lavalle still walking on the golf course.
Police said they formed a tactical plan, and attempted to contact him; however, Lavalle refused to follow commands, and fled from officers by running through the golf course.
During the chase, Lavalle reached towards his bag, motioning to take out a gun, and said, "Shoot me!" to officers.
Authorities explained officers attempted to stop him by shooting several rubber launchers, but they were ineffective.
When police were able to get close enough to Lavalle, they deployed a Taser, which effectively ended the chase. He was safely apprehended by officers on scene.
Officials reported Lavalle did not actually have a gun in his bag. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
He claimed to have served time in the military, however, public records show he served 17 years in federal prison for bank robbery.
According to police, Lavalle is being held on charges of resisting arrest, and will undergo a mental evaluation.