A man police described as "armed and dangerous" was found dead after a fire brought a four-hour armed barricade to an end overnight in Lancaster.
The discovery was made after the blaze broke out in the 5000 block of Gadsden Avenue at 12:03 a.m, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. Nearby homes in the area were evacuated overnight during the standoff.
A special weapons team had been stationed outside since around 7:30 p.m Tuesday after responding to a call that a known felon in possession of a firearm was inside the residence. He refused to come out after officers tried to serve him with several warrants.
"The suspect refused to comply," said Lt. Holly Francisco, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "Ultimately, gas was introduced into the house and a fire started."
Details regarding the man's cause of death were not available Friday afternoon. The suspect was the only person inside the building, and was found dead in the kitchen.
Homicide detectives and arson investigators were at the scene.
