RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — An armed postal worker who once worked for the city took the mayor and two council members hostage Tuesday, then waged a gun battle with police when the officers heard shots fired. Five people, including a policeman and the gunman, were wounded.
The shooting began about 8 a.m. as the City Council was preparing to meet in a City Hall annex, some 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Joseph L. Neale Jr., 48, barged into the council lounge and locked the door, police said.
Details were sketchy, but police eventually managed to barge their way into the room.
Councilman Chuck Beaty was hit in the face and shoulder and was in critical condition. Councilwoman Laura Pearson was hospitalized with a hip wound.
Mayor Ron Loveridge was grazed by a bullet and Councilwoman Terri Thompson was treated for unspecified pain.
The extent of the gunman’s injuries were not known. Two officers were also shot. One was hit in the lower abdomen and in critical condition. The other was spared injury because of his bulletproof vest.