Public Safety
Two men found dead after Long Beach SWAT standoff
Investigators have not determined how either man died or whether an officer’s return fire struck anyone.
Long Beach police found two men fatally shot inside a California Heights home Saturday after an overnight standoff, according to original reporting by the Long Beach Post and a police account carried by NBC Los Angeles.
Officers responded at about 1:45 a.m. to a report of gunshots in the 3700 block of Gardenia Avenue. Police said a man inside the home threatened officers and later fired at them after they retreated and requested assistance. One officer returned fire, police said.
Location: 3700 block of Gardenia Avenue, California Heights
Police response: Patrol officers and a SWAT team
Officer injuries: None reported
Status: The circumstances of both deaths remain under investigation
Questions remain about the fatal shots
A SWAT team later entered the home and found both men with fatal gunshot wounds to the upper body. Police said multiple firearms and other evidence were recovered, and officers were wearing body cameras.
The men’s names and ages had not been released. Police said they are reviewing the body-camera footage and intend to make it public. The Long Beach Post reported that investigators are examining whether any fatal round came from an officer’s gun.
Original reporting: Long Beach Post — October 17, 2026 →
Police account: NBC Los Angeles / City News Service — October 17, 2026 →