Local News

Police standoff causes temporary closure of Commonwealth

A burglary suspect ran from police and barricaded himself at a residence on West Commonwealth resulting in a major traffic shutdown on Wednesday, September 22.

According to Public Information Officer Sergeant Brandon Clyde, police received a call at 9:32 in the morning regarding a man attempting to break into a unit at the 100 block of Prichard, in violation of a restraining order. He left the area when the police arrived. The man was later identified as Jose Marguina, 42.

A second call was received at 12:39pm saying that he had broken a window. There was a scream and the call ended. Police pursued Marguina and he then barricaded himself on the porch of a home on the 3400 block of West Commonwealth. This resulted in a major response of eventually 17 police vehicles and the complete shutdown of Commonwealth Avenue. The police response included their police dog and helicopter support.

Police surrounded the residence, resulting in a standoff while negotiations continued. The suspect remained on the porch area of the residence and used a portable baby gate between himself and the police. He claimed he had a gun.

Using less-lethal weapons, the police fired. They were unable to gain compliance and finally sent the K-9 unit in to take the suspect into custody. Only the suspect was injured. The paramedic unit from Fire Station 2 checked him out. He was secured by handcuffs to a gurney and transported to UCI medical center by Care Ambulance.

Suspect Jose Marguina was taken into custody. Photo by Jere Greene.