SAN FERNANDO (CNS) — Attempted murder and other charges were filed Tuesday, Dec. 20, against a Pacoima man who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s 11-month-old sister and two of her other relatives in Panorama City, then led police on a chase that ended with a four-hour standoff in Glendale.
Jorge Gomez, 21, pleaded not guilty to three attempted murder charges and one count each of first-degree residential burglary, fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly and resisting an executive officer, along with a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage.
The criminal complaint includes an allegation that Gomez used a butcher knife and a steak knife in the attacks on his ex-girlfriend’s family members.
Gomez — whose bail was set at $3 million — is due back in a San Fernando courtroom on Jan. 11, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
The attack happened on Sunday, Dec. 18, at about 1:10 p.m. in the 8800 block of Tobias Avenue in Panorama City, according to Officer Irma Tobias of the LAPD’s Media Relations Section.
Gomez allegedly broke into a home and attacked his ex-girlfriend’s mother, 11-month-old sister and another of her relatives, according to Deputy District Attorney Ani Bailey. The victims were hospitalized.
Gomez fled from the house, led police on a high-speed pursuit that resulted in an accident in Glendale.
The chase ended when the Gomez’s car crashed and flipped over, police said.
The suspect got out of his vehicle and ran to a construction site near Buckingham Road and Chevy Chase Drive. There he stood atop a partially finished building and crisis negotiations began shortly after that. He then held police at bay for about four hours, according to the prosecutor.
If convicted as charged, he could face a potential maximum life prison sentence, according to the District Attorney’s Office.