Hostage Standoff Ends At Burlington Coat Factory Outlet In Inglewood

INGLEWOOD (CBS) — An apparent armed robbery attempt at a Burlington Coat Factory outlet in Inglewood ended peacefully Thursday, as the suspects surrendered after allowing workers to walk out.

Authorities said the incident began about 7:10 a.m. at 3150 Imperial Highway. At least one suspect was believed to be armed.

Some workers inside the building saw three men wearing ski masks inside the building, and police were notified, according to Inglewood police Lt. Neal Cochran. A SWAT team was sent to the scene.

Just before 8:30 a.m., police said that the suspects were ready to surrender.

Officers broke out a glass panel in one door about 8:45 a.m., allowing people to leave.

Authorities said businesses on both sides of the store were evacuated and streets around the store were closed.

By about 9 a.m., several employees -- most of them women -- began coming outside, and within a half hour, everyone had apparently left the building, Cochran said.

The incident remained under investigation.

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