Retired Judge Arrested On Suspicion Of Firing Gun At Officers In West LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police Thursday arrested a former judge who allegedly fired a weapon within his home in West Los Angeles.

Around 1:45 a.m., officers were sent to a condominium located in the 1900 block of Barrington Avenue for report of a call for help.

Upon their arrival, police located a man who was alone inside of the home and was firing a weapon, which subsequently lead to a barricade situation, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

SWAT members were subsequently called to assist at the scene.

Residents were urged to shelter in place as officers surrounding the residence.

Former friends were also called to the scene to help end the barricade situation, officers added.

According to police, the suspect is a former L.A. Superior Court Judge James Bascue, who is in his 70s. He was taken into custody for mental health evaluation.

A preliminary investigation revealed Bascue fired at least two shots -- one within the condominium, and another directed outside towards officers -- during the barricade situation.

Authorities loaded a shotgun, a rifle, and two other weapons into their truck as evidence.

After speaking with health officials, Bascue was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.

CBS2's Kara Finnstrom reported from the scene that Bascue was married to another judge for many years before they divorced. He has two adult children.

No injuries were reported.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.