More Details Emerge From Wednesday's Police Standoff in South Laguna

Edward Ernest Uribe, a 41-year-old male from Carson who was in the middle of last night's standoff and chaotic traffic disruption in South Laguna Beach, is in custody, having been charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, bringing a controlled substance into jail, resisting arrest and being under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Laguna Beach Police have issued the following statement:

"Uribe was taken into custody after a nearly five-hour standoff with Laguna Beach Police and Orange County SWAT officers.

Uribe had been involved in a five-vehicle traffic accident at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Coast Highway and Vista Del Sol. Witnesses reported seeing Uribe’s vehicle travelling in a reckless manner from the Dana Point area. As officers and fire personnel were arriving on scene, witnesses pointed out that the single occupant of a Mustang had a gun on his lap.

Officers drew their weapons and attempted to have Uribe safely exit his vehicle. However, he did not comply, and during this initial contact, an officer fired one round, striking Uribe’s vehicle. Uribe was not injured.

Uribe told the officers that if the car door was pulled open, the car would explode. Officers then retreated to a safer distance.  At this point Uribe did not communicate with the officers and remained in his vehicle.

Department policy requires that an extensive investigation be conducted into any officer involved shooting. That investigation is currently underway.

Residents in the immediate area were sent a phone message via the AlertOC system advising them to remain in their homes or businesses. 

Assistance was requested from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and their Special Weapons and Tactic Team responded. During the standoff, SWAT personnel had to transport a paramedic team in an armored vehicle through the scene into Three Arch Bay to render aid to a 70-year-old driver involved in the original accident.

In another unusual twist, a Laguna Beach police officer had to transport medical personnel through the scene from Crown Valley Parkway to Mission Hospital, Laguna Beach with a human organ that was urgently needed by at the hospital. 

At approximately, 9:15 p.m., tear gas was dispersed into the vehicle and after approximately 30 minutes, Uribe exited the passenger side of his vehicle and collapsed onto the sidewalk. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Uribe was treated at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach for his exposure to the tear gas, but had no other injuries. He was booked at the Laguna Beach Police Department and then transferred to the Orange County Jail, where he is being held on a $50,000 bail.   

A loaded .22 caliber handgun was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.