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Attempted Murder Charges in Hours-Long Norwalk Standoff

Two men barricaded themselves inside a mobile home for hours

Two men who were arrested following a lengthy standoff in Southern California were charged Thursday with attempted murder.

Jason Edwin Devore, 37, of La Habra, and George Contreras, 19, of Los Angeles, were arrested Tuesday night following a standoff that began when U.S. Marshals tried to arrest Devore at a Norwalk mobile home park on suspicion of a series of robberies in Pomona, according to the Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office.

Devore and Contreras barricaded themselves inside a mobile home in the 12000 block of Rosecrans Boulevard around 4:15 p.m., officials said.

Prosecutors said that during the standoff, shots were fired at law enforcement officials surrounding the residence.

U.S. Marshals Service spokeswoman Laura Vega said Devore claimed he had a rifle. He also told authorities he had explosive materials and a grenade, apparently in an effort to buy time.

Devore was apparently posting messages and images on Facebook while he was holed up. He posted photos of him holding firearms and said he was in a standoff with SWAT. He also said he did not want to go back to prison.

Contreras surrendered around 10 p.m. Devore remained inside the home for another hour, but came out after authorities fired tear gas into the structure.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Devore is on federal parole for bank robbery and served nine years in prison.

He is believed to have been responsible for at least five armed robberies that took place in Los Angeles County, Pomona and Fullerton, Vega said. Marshals identified him as the suspect after recognizing his face from law enforcement bulletins. There were at least five warrants out for Devore’s arrest.

Contreras is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Bellflower. Devore, who allegedly fired the shots, is scheduled to appear in court June 26. They both face up to life in prison if convicted.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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