Police cleared out a section of MacArthur Park on Wednesday afternoon after a man reportedly threatened to hurt others and himself. The man peacefully surrendered to police after a roughly three-hour standoff.
The man barricaded himself in a park bathroom, and authorities responded to the scene around 9:18 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Initial calls to 911 said that the man was brandishing a weapon and making threats. Witnesses at the scene said the man pointed what appeared to be a handgun at his head.
Authorities closed off the park from 6th and Park View streets to Alvarado Street, including a portion of Wilshire Boulevard. An LAPD officer at the scene said the man was livestreaming with his phone and also got onto a video call with family members.
The man’s family and LAPD officers attempted to speak with him over the phone. He appeared distraught as he spoke to them over the phone. The LAPD did not provide any additional information about the situation.
There were no reports of any injuries. The man was detained by police and it was unclear if he was hospitalized.