Dramatic New Video of California Trader Joe’s Hostage Situation Released

Note: Viewer discretion is advised for the video. Newly released video footage shows the gun battle between police officers and a suspect at a California Trader Joe's as well as an explanation of events that led to the gun battle. The firefight took place on July 21 in the city of Los Angeles. Gene Atkins, 28, was arrested after a gun battle with the police that left a Trader Joe's manager, Melyda Corado, dead. Atkins took a number of shoppers and employees inside the store hostage, although a number escaped as he engaged with officers. All the hostages apart from Corado survived the battle. The LAPD said that the shot that killed Corado came from an LAPD officer. According to authorities, the Trader Joe's firefight was preceded by a family dispute in south L.A. between Atkins and his grandmother. Police said that Atkins was upset his grandmother didn't want his girlfriend to sleep at the family home. He shot his grandmother and dragged his girlfriend into his grandmother's vehicle, fleeing the scene. Police officers began chasing him and the chase ended at the Trader Joe's. The grandmother, Mary Madison, survived the shooting after being rushed to the hospital. Credit: Los Angeles Police Department via Youtube