Days-long standoff in Valinda comes to an end; suspect found dead by suicide
A marathon standoff with a barricaded alleged gunman in Valinda continued into its third day on Sunday.
The standoff began early Friday afternoon at around, 2:30 p.m, when deputies were alerted of a man allegedly firing shots at pedestrians in the 16900 block of Wing Lane.
When Sheriff's deputies arrived, the suspect allegedly opened fire on them, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
The suspect, who has now been identified as 47-year-old Brandon Ursa, ran into a home in the area, where he had remained throughout the weekend and into Sunday afternoon, despite ongoing efforts from crisis negotiators and LASD's Special Enforcement Bureau to coax him out peacefully.
LASD disclosed that Ursa had arrived in the area just before the shooting on Friday, allegedly high on methamphetamine, when an argument between he and his girlfriend broke out.
He is said to have pistol-whipped her twice while demanding a cigarette.
Sheriff Robert Luna disclosed that deputies were familiar with the suspect, as he has an extensive criminal history. They did not provide any further information, however.
Deputies used both flash bang grenades and tear gas, even tearing down the garage door, ripping open holes in the roof and breaking down a wall in the home in an effort to reach the suspect.
The house was surrounded by multiple law enforcement agencies, SWAT teams and neighbors who have been evacuated from their homes since Friday.
"At this time, residents are still unable to access the crime area," the LASD said. "We urge everyone to stay away from the area for precaution and their safety."
At times throughout the first night of the standoff on Friday, the suspect could be heard firing shots from inside of the home. According to one LASD deputy, the suspect is said to have fired off more than 100 rounds.
At around 5 p.m., it was reported that the suspect involved in the incident had died by suicide, according to Los Angeles Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Solis's District 1 seat on the Board of Supervisors oversees Valinda and the surrounding areas.
One woman was taken to a nearby hospital after suffering an injury during the incident, but it was not said to be a shooting-related injury.
Families forced to evacuate due to the standoff were finally allowed to return home Sunday evening, but due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, many were unable to get to their home by vehicle, instead having to park and walk.
The neighborhood was riddled with damage caused by the weekend-long standoff, with many residents returning home to find their fences knocked over, car windows shattered by stray bullets and more.
Temporary accommodations for displaced residents are available at Workman High School at 16303 Temple Avenue in Industry. The Red Cross can be reached at 800-675-5799.
