Atkins to release the hostages and surrender. Around 6:30 pm, he agreed to handcuff himself, and was led from the building accompanied by four hostages to ensure that he would not be shot. He was then taken into custody. Suspect The suspect was identified as Gene Evin Atkins, a 28-year-old African-American male. He had lived with his grandmother since he was seven years old. According to his cousin, Atkins had recently lost his job and two cars. Atkins had previously slashed the tires on his grandmother's car and broke the windows in the house. The cousin described him as having a history of mental health problems and as a quiet man who was despondent about his future. She quoted him as having said, "The next thing I do, I'm going to die doing it or I'm going to jail." He opened fire on the police, but no officers were reported injured. The gunman was arrested, charged with murder, and was initially held on $2 million bail. Legal proceedings Atkins was charged in August 2018 with 51 crimes, including murder, two counts of attempted murder, four counts of attempted murder of a police officer, and several counts of false imprisonment of hostages. Bail was increased from $18.7 million to $23 million. Aftermath The police officers have received criticism for inadvertently killing Corado with gunfire despite warnings from one officer who said to his partner, "Do not, do not shoot. We are going to keep our distance." Jill Leovy, a former police reporter for the Los Angeles Times, criticized the LAPD, saying, "This is about training and tactics and how to minimize injury in a fast-moving situation." She added, "It's about knowing that you have a clear shot, knowing what's in the background and periphery of the shot." In December 2020, the LA County District Attorney's Office announced that it had determined the two officers were justified in using deadly force and would not face charges. Melyda Corado's brother, Albert Corado, became a police abolition activist and is running for Los Angeles City Council against incumbent Mitch O'Farrell. References 2018 in Los Angeles 2018 crimes in California Trader Joe's Crimes in Los Angeles Hostage taking in the United States July 2018 crimes in the United States July 2018 events in the United States Attacks in the United States in 2018 Filmed killings by law enforcement