Compton shooting suspect taken into custody after tense standoff with LASD deputies, SWAT

COMPTON, Calif. - A suspect who barricaded himself inside an apartment was taken into custody after an initial call of shots fired in Compton Thursday morning.  

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officers responded to the 100 block of Acacia Avenue, located near the intersection of Compton Boulevard, on a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. A resident told FOX 11's Mario Ramirez she was in her home around 7:15 a.m. when she heard the commotion coming from outside. 

The suspect was later identified by the LASD as 49-year-old Rick McNeese.

LASD officials said when deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered a person with a gunshot wound, and they were subsequently taken to a hospital. "The victim said there was some sort of accidental discharge inside the location, which is when the deputies responded to the gunshot victim call," LASD's Miguel Meza said during a phone interview with FOX 11. 

Deputies proceeded to knock on doors at an apartment complex and when they knocked on a second-story corner unit, McNeese allegedly opened the door and fired at least two shots at deputies. 

The preliminary investigation reveals the victim and the suspect are roommates. The condition and name of the victim is unknown.

Deputies worked to secure the scene and all responding deputies were currently accounted for, according to the LASD. 

Mcneese barricaded himself inside the apartment. 

An elderly woman was one of the residents rescued by LASD deputies while at the scene as deputies led them to a safer area. Evacuations were ordered in the immediate area as the crime scene was expanded by 8:35 a.m. A SWAT unit was also called in to assist deputies.

A fire began to develop from an apartment as thick smoke began billowing from the unit. Los Angeles City firefighters knocked down the fire just before 9 a.m.  

For an estimated two hours, deputies and a Special Enforcement Bureau Tactical Team gave McNeese verbal demands to surrender. The standoff ended peacefully and McNeese was taken into custody without further incident just after 8:45 a.m.

The neighborhood was later deemed safe by authorities and residents were able to return home.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips online.