Los Angeles Police Department arrested a man who had a stash of weapons in his apartment on the 18th floor. The guns were pointed at a popular park and the suspect, aged 25, was reported to be acting out strangely and making threats. Note: Some outlets report that he is 24.
Security guards at the high-rise and neighbors reported to the LAPD that the resident might be suffering from a mental illness. Braxton Kyle Johnson was identified as the man. One neighbor claimed that Johnson had discussed his military history and that he believed the CIA was after him. Police entered the apartment with a search warrant. They found a sniper rifle and two high-powered rifles. Three pistols, extensive armor, and thousands of rounds.
According to the LA Times, “one rifle equipped with a scope was mounted onto a small tripod similar to those used by hunters or military snipers.”
None of the guns were registered.
#BREAKING #Hollywood: 7 weapons, 2 vests, over a 1K rounds of ammunition seized from 18th floor apartment. @LAPDHollywood tells @NBCLA, officers prevented a possible “mass shooting event…similar to #LasVegas.” 24-year-old being questioned; arrested for criminal threats. pic.twitter.com/GdFQUhmq0b
— Robert Kovacik (@RobertNBCLA) February 2, 2023
Johnson’s menacing threats made it possible for police to obtain the warrant.
Officers were told by one resident that the man made comments about his possession of many weapons and that his apartment on the 18th floor was a great spot for “sniping.”
According to police, Johnson moved in from out of town to the Lumina Hollywood, a luxurious apartment complex located at the 1500 block of Gordon Street near Sunset Boulevard. The apartment was described by Leonid Tsap, LAPD Lieutenant.
The suspect was found on the 18th floor of an apartment building. There were large windows that gave a view and some rifles pointed out of those windows.
Tsap also thanked security guards as well as the public for their assistance:
They called us and collaborated with the police to make this a successful conclusion. It was a wonderful police operation and great teamwork between the police and the community to get the suspect off the streets.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will now decide if Johnson will face charges. Johnson has been released on bail at $500,000. Johnson’s bail has been set at $500,000.
Good job, LAPD.
