August 31, 2008

On 8-29-08 at approx. 11:49 PM UCPD officers responded to calls of a man firing shots at the corner of Broxton and Le Conte in Westwood. The first officer arrived on scene within one minute. He found the suspect on the sidewalk wearing a holster and standing empty handed. Officers challenged the suspect, Gene Bush, (date of birth 2-15-56,) at gunpoint, ordering him to get on the ground. The suspect refused saying, “Not until everyone gets here.” While two officers covered the suspect with firearms, a third UCPD officer approached the suspect and incapacitated him, by firing a Taser. The suspect was handcuffed without incident. No one was injured.

Bush was found to be carrying five loaded semi-auto pistols with laser sights and multiple additional loaded magazines. Witnesses indicated that the suspect fired three shots at the traffic light at the intersection. An area check located bullet strikes in the traffic light and one in a nearby building. The suspect made anti-government statements and told officers we must look in his nearby suitcase for “the secret.”

A quick view into open pouches of the suitcase showed timers, cans of paint thinner, and other suspicious items. Assistance from LAPD was requested, including deployment of the bomb squad to clear the items of concern. In his suitcase Bush had a manifesto titled “The Secret”.

Officers recovered over 400 rounds on the suspect and the suitcase he had with him. LAPD and UCPD officers found another 7,800 rounds in his van, and 3,000 rounds in his storage unit. LAPD Major Crimes Division quickly investigated Bush’s prior known addresses to insure that other crimes had not been committed. At this time it is believed that Bush is living in his van.

The suspect appears to have no criminal history. A bail enhancement for this incident was requested and he is currently being held without bail. The incident is currently under investigation.

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