Charges have been brought against an individual over the weekend, putting the lives of frightened residents and law enforcement officers at risk during the incident, as authorities revealed on Tuesday.
The event occurred on April 13 at approximately 10:15 p.m. at the Pearl Apartments located in the 4100 block of Via Marina.
Allegedly armed with two assault rifles, a handgun, multiple loaded magazines, and donning a tactical vest, Victoryloc Nguyen stands accused of embarking on a three-hour shooting spree, discharging around 90 rounds at deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and inhabitants from various spots within the complex. Weapons purportedly abandoned by the assailant were discovered on the rooftop of a Marina del Rey apartment complex on April 13, 2024. (LASD)
Residents in the building were compelled to take shelter in place, with many seeking refuge in their bathtubs for safety. Individuals returning home from a night out had to quickly find cover on the street.
Jeff Rubin, who, along with his wife Elizabeth Amos, was hiding in their apartment’s bathroom, described the harrowing experience, mentioning intermittent periods of silence followed by another round of gunshots that persisted for three hours.
Amos shared with KTLA that amidst the terrifying ordeal, the sound of gunfire was somewhat reassuring as it provided clarity on the gunman’s location, unlike the eerie silence that implied he could be anywhere in the building.
Nguyen was eventually apprehended around 1 a.m. on April 14 with the aid of additional resources, including SWAT Teams and four Bearcat armored vehicles. Victoryloc Nguyen, a 41-year-old resident of L.A., was captured by deputies on April 14, 2024. (OnScene.TV)
Expressing deep dismay over the mindless shooting spree carried out by Mr. Nguyen, L.A. County District Attorney Gascón conveyed gratitude that no injuries were sustained. The District Attorney commended the law enforcement officers for their prompt response, safeguarding the public, and skillfully de-escalating the situation, leading to Nguyen’s surrender without any shots being fired.
The 41-year-old suspect, currently held on $5.275 million bail, is facing the following charges:
- Two charges of willful and deliberate attempted murder of a peace officer; one charge of premeditated attempted murder on a civilian
- 10 charges of assault with a machine gun or assault weapon against a peace officer
- Four charges of assault with a machine gun or assault weapon against a civilian
- One charge of shooting at an inhabited dwelling
- One charge of first-degree residential burglary
Chief Bobby Wyche of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Central Patrol Division remarked, “This individual endangered numerous lives and instilled fear in an apartment community. We are thankful that no injuries occurred during this incident and that he will be held responsible for his reckless behavior.”
Despite having no prior criminal record, Nguyen pleaded not guilty to all charges on Tuesday and is set to appear in court again on May 13. If convicted on all counts, he could face life imprisonment.