Suspect in Chinese New Year massacre that killed ten 'shoots himself' inside van during SWAT shootout

22 January 2023, 09:13 | Updated: 22 January 2023, 22:59

The suspect has been pictured by LA police
The suspect has been pictured by LA police. Picture: Twitter

By Kit Heren

The suspect in a Chinese New Year massacre which killed ten people is thought to have shot himself during a three-hour police stand-off.

A SWAT team in California broke into a white van after a lengthy shootout, finding piles of bloody sheets.

The unnamed suspect is said to have shot himself dead during the crossfire.

Police earlier released an image of the man accused of killing ten people in a mass shooting at a Chinese New Year event as he fights a stand-off with a SWAT team.

Ten were killed and at least ten more injured in the shooting after a Lunar New Year event.

Read more: 'Our heart is broken Lisa, we love you': Priscilla Presley leads tributes at memorial service for Elvis's only child

Read more: Ryanair bomb threat as European flight with 200 passengers and crew escorted by fighter jets after tip-off

Police found a mound of bloody sheets and a body inside the van
Police found a mound of bloody sheets and a body inside the van. Picture: ABC7

Police responded to the incident, which took place in Monterey Park, a city of about 60,000 people with a large Asian-American population about eight miles east of Los Angeles.

The shooting took place at about 22:00 local time on Saturday night (6am in the UK), with reports suggesting it may have taken place in a nightclub.

The suspect was on the run for twelve hours after the killings, having fled the scene after the deadly attack.

Sergeant Bob Boese of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the shooting took place at a business, and the attacker was male.

The department said in a statement: "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are responding to assist Monterey Park Police Department with a shooting death investigation.

"There is no additional information available at this time."

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in the park on Saturday afternoon for a festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The festival is reportedly one of the largest of its kind in the region.

A local business owner said that people taking refuge from the attack said that the gunman was using a submachine gun, and had multiple rounds of ammunition.

Kenneth Mejia, a local elected official in LA, said: "Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones tonight in our neighboring city, Monterey Park, where a mass shooting just occurred.

"Monterey Park is home to one of the largest Asian communities in Los Angeles County and many were out celebrating the Lunar New Year."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum

The Forum Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant chef uses CCTV to prove 'nonsense' reviews wrong

Soccer - International Friendly - Venezuela v Nigeria

England star John Fashanu arrested over 'five crimes' as he sues police for £100,000 compensation

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Military chiefs to meet in UK next week - as Starmer confirms Ukraine peace effort ‘moving into operational phase’

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

The body of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was discovered in a basement in Great Portland Street, London, in 2008

On-the-run suspect urged to hand himself in 17 years on from murder and rape of student found dead in basement

Pint of Guinness in front of different ale and beer pumps, The Merchant's Arch Bar & Restaurant, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Guinness pint prices could soar to more than £6 due to Trump’s tariff war