Downtown Long Beach Standoff Lasts 12 Hours, Suspect Escapes

A massive police standoff in downtown Long Beach stretched for more than 12 hours on Tuesday, only to end with the suspect escaping.

The ordeal began around 2 a.m. when a man who appeared to be armed tried to rob the 7-Eleven at Pine Avenue and Broadway, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Employees managed to run outside and alert nearby officers.

What followed was a large-scale law enforcement response that shut down part of the downtown area. Heavily armed SWAT teams, armored vehicles, K9 units, and other specialized resources were deployed, drawing a significant police presence that neighbors described as overwhelming. Flashbang grenades were reportedly used as officers tried to coax the suspect out.

Throughout the day, police blocked off streets and even entered neighboring businesses as they waited for a search warrant, believing the man was still inside the store. But by around 4 p.m., the scene had been cleared, and police confirmed the suspect “remained outstanding.” No description of him was immediately released.

The deployment of SWAT units, armored vehicles, and extended manpower for more than 12 hours represents a significant use of city resources an expense made more frustrating given that the suspect managed to get away.