Two females severely wounded in a shooting at Spartan College, Inglewood; suspect apprehended
In a shocking turn of events, a former employee, Jesse Figueroa, 40, from Monterey Park, wounded two of his coworkers at the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood. On Friday, Figueroa allegedly opened fire in a college office, causing chaos and panic.
The incident unfolded at 8911 Aviation Blvd. at 3:39 p.m., prompting a quick response from the Inglewood Police Department. Two women were rushed to a trauma center in Long Beach in critical condition according to the L.A. County Fire Department spokesperson.
Around 5:45 p.m., Figueroa was apprehended in Koreatown by Los Angeles police, having been presented with a vehicle description alert from the Inglewood police department after they shared details of his license plate and vehicle with partner agencies[1][3]. The suspect was reportedly dressed in attire resembling a security guard's uniform and was armed with a rifle[1][3].
It appears that Figueroa had a grievance related to his employment at the school, as Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. confirmed. This was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted attack. An 9mm shell casing was recovered from the campus[2].
The victims of the shooting were both employees at the college, although the role of each victim and the specific trigger for the shooting remains unclear at this time[2].
"Situations like this are very unsettling for a community because they promote a sense of randomness and threaten safety," said Mayor Butts. "This is a college campus; you see no reason that there would be this type of crime at a school."
Students and staff were shaken by the incident, with one student sharing his account of being told to shelter inside a campus building for approximately 90 minutes. referencing the frightening atmosphere, but crediting the police for managing the situation professionally[2].
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology's Inglewood campus is a trade school specializing in aviation maintenance education. The campus offers an 18-month diploma and a 22-month associate degree to prepare students for the Federal Aviation Authority certification exams[3]. Campus President Christopher Becker noted that there is 24/7 security on campus, with regular safety drills that emphasize their commitment to safety[3].
As the investigation continues, the college has arranged counseling services for affected staff and students[3]. While charges have not yet been formally announced, Figueroa is currently being held in Inglewood's city jail on $1-million bail[1][3].
False report of shooter at Claremont college is SoCal's second 'swatting' call in 48 hours - Examination of a false report of a shooter that caused confusion and distress in another educational institution.
Student allegedly discharges 'possible firearm' in Marina del Rey classroom - Analysis of another recent incident of weapon discharge on an educational campus
Security guard held in shooting of two coworkers at Spartan College in Inglewood - In depth look at the aftermath of the shooting and measures taken by the college
- The shocking shooting at Spartan College in Inglewood, California, occurred at the campus located on Aviation Blvd, with the alleged perpetrator, Jesse Figueroa, apprehended in Koreatown.
- Figueroa, a former employee, reportedly dressed in attire resembling a security guard's uniform and was armed with a rifle when he opened fire in a college office, wounding two coworkers.
- The incident brought chaos and prompted a quick response from the Inglewood Police Department, with the victims transported to a trauma center in critical condition.
- The college, known for aviation maintenance education, has a commitment to safety, with 24/7 security and regular safety drills in place.
- In the aftermath of the shooting, Spartan College has arranged counseling services for affected staff and students, while Figueroa is being held in Inglewood's city jail on $1-million bail.
- Another recent incident of weapon discharge occurred at Marina del Rey, underscoring the urgent need for campus security measures and strategies to address crime-and-justice issues in educational institutions.
- Misleading reports of shooters on educational campuses, such as the false report at Claremont college, contribute to a general-news environment that is fraught with war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime.
