In a tragic example of why police say domestic violence calls are the most dangerous, an incident Sunday afternoon led to a fatal ending.
About 3:15 pm Sunday a Woodland Hills resident went to the LAPD Topanga Station in Canoga Park and reported she was a victim of domestic violence.
Police officers went to the townhome at 5720 N. Owensmouth Avenue to investigate. The 46-year-old male domestic violence suspect barricaded himself and could not be taken into custody.
A SWAT team was called to the scene at 7:17 pm after police determined that the suspect owned legally registered firearms.
Flames broke out at the residence from a fire supposedly set by the suspect, and firefighters worked defensively to try to flood the unit with water from the outside, according to LAFD spokesman Jamie Stewart.
Crews heard shots being fired but with heavy smoke it was unclear what or whom the suspect was firing at. The second floor of the townhome was fully engulfed in flames.
After the fire was extinguished crews found human remains, believed to be the suspect. It was not revealed if the person shot himself or died from the fire.
LAPD is currently conducting an arson investigation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the Haven Hills Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at (818) 887-6589.
Photo: Facebook
