Community Corner

Big Bang Theory: Were Those Gunshots Being Fired in Laguna Canyon?

Residents living near Seven Degrees were told to stay indoors while K9 and helicopter units investigated the incident.

Residents reported hearing gunshots early this morning in Laguna Canyon, which prompted an all-out response by the Laguna Beach police, as well as assistance from the Huntington Beach and Anaheim police departments.

According to LBPD Sgt. Louise Callus, a call came in to dispatch of a shot fired near the canyon restaurant Seven Degrees. When an officer pulled up to the scene, he saw two men standing in the parking lot rear.

When the officer's cruiser was about halfway into the lot, he heard what appeared to be five or six additional gunshots. At least that's what they sounded like ...

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The officer then floored his gas pedal, sending his car in reverse, and called for backup. When extra officers arrived, they held guns on the two men and cuffed them while a perimeter was set up to determine if there were any other suspects.

Ultimately, the two men—Pageant of the Masters employees—were released. They also heard the shots, but weren't responsible for them.

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The LBPD then called in a helicopter unit from Huntington Beach (which was equipped with thermal-imaging technology to find heat sources in the dark), and a K9 unit from Anaheim, to help ferret out any other suspects and determine the source of the shots. Because of the dogs and the possibility of more gunfire, residents were asked to stay inside their homes.

A search of the area was conducted, but no suspects were found, and the area was cleared after about two hours.

Eventually, the source of the gunshots was discovered: in the back parking lot of 837 Laguna Canyon Rd. were remnants of large firecrackers, possibly M-80s.

It isn't known if someone had been setting these firecrackers off, or if another ignition source was involved.

 


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