Exclusive with the SWAT officer with “nerves of steel!” North Hollywood Shoot Out Hero
It was one of the most infamous gun battles in law enforcement history— the North Hollywood shootout. And now I’ve got exclusive new details from one of the men who ended it. He’s a sergeant with the LAPD’s SWAT unit, and he’s about to retire. He has never talked about the event before, and you’ll see my story on him tonight at 11pm on CBS 2 News.
If you remember the wild video of the shootout, Sgt. Steve Gomez was the cop wearing gym shorts who helped bring down the second gunman. Now, for the first time, the story can be told about why he was wearing shorts. Plus, he talks about the courage it took for him and his colleagues to drive right up to the robber and end the battle. (Remember, the bad guy had automatic weapons with hundreds of bullets on him, and he was wearing heavy body armor.)
The video has been seen by millions on TV and on the Internet, and on Tuesday you’ll hear the story that goes with it. I hope you watch.
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:56 am
Thank you Laura for your interview of Steve Gomez on last night’s news. I was so blessed to see the view of someone who is a real christian with a heart for this area, and allowing him to speak openly about his faith. God bless you !
Priscilla
September 25th, 2010 at 3:34 am
Laura,
I remember that day very well as I had to drive to work right through the area where this happened after having watched on TV. The gun battle was already over but there was a large police presence in the area and I have to admit to feeling a little shaky by the time I got to work as it had occurred to me (after having seen the police presence) that someone might still be on the loose.
Coincidentally, I was also working in the building next door to the BOA at the corner of Sherman Way and Woodman when it was hit by the same two gunman about 1 year or so earlier!
God bless the LAPD!
mlz
September 27th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
I remember the day well,i have been there & looked at the damage. It remained for years! Sometimes i wonder what makes people do this. Good thoughts from the people there. One of the craziest things i have ever seen. I always fight the good fight where ever it takes me. I’ve been in a situation like that and it stays forever. Great story ,i’m sure everybody got an idea of what it was like. What a day!