July 22, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Police Arrest Suspect in Century City Active Shooter Scare

25-year-old Nicholas K. Oates in custody.

By Sam Catanzaro

Los Angeles police have arrested a suspect in connection to an active shooter and bomb threat situation that rattled Century City on Friday, March 15.

At 12:42 on Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) received multiple calls describing a “man with a gun” at Westfield Century City mall. Officers responded to the scene and evacuated the mall and began searching for a suspect. In addition, while proceeding with their search, officers were directed to a suspicious package located inside the Amazon Store.

The LAPD and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) peacefully resolved the situation but had not immediately identified or found a suspect.

Early Saturday morning, the LAPD arrested 25-year-old Nicholas K. Oates of Missouri as a suspect in this incident after police found a car belonging to Oates. Officers impounded the vehicle as evidence and identified Oates.

Saturday night, while out working on an unrelated case, LAPD Pacific Division officers spotted the suspect sitting on the beach near the Venice Beach Boardwalk and took Oates into custody around 8 p.m.

The LAPD later arrested Oates on suspicion of arson and assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the LAPD, on Friday Oates entered a bookstore at Westfield Century City mall and began taking books off the shelves and lighting them on fire. An employee of the store confronted Oates, who then proceeded to draw a handgun and aim it at the employee.

The employee proceeded to evacuate the store and soon after police evacuated the entire mall.

The LAFD Arson Investigation unit and the LAPD Major Crimes Division worked on the case.

Oates remains in custody pending a $75,000 bail.

Police have not located the black semi-automatic handgun Oates is believed to have used.

Anybody with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the LAPD by calling (213) 486-7260 or to remain anonymous (800) 222-8477.

Related Posts

What We Know So Far About the Santa Monica-Linked Explosion That Killed Three Deputies

July 20, 2025

July 20, 2025

The probe traces back to Thursday, when residents of an apartment complex on the 800 block of Bay Street in...

County Offers $58M in Parks Grants, Hosts Info Session Wednesday

July 20, 2025

July 20, 2025

The grants aim to enhance park equity, access, and environmental benefits, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $4 million The...

(Photos) See Inside This $60M Holmby Hills Mansion Inspired by a Madrid Museum

July 20, 2025

July 20, 2025

Soaring 30-foot ceilings, adorned with 400-year-old Moorish columns and 16th-17th century Florentine carvings, greet visitors Nestled on the prestigious 133...

Nine-Unit Apartment Complex in Palms Hits Market for Nearly $3M

July 20, 2025

July 20, 2025

The property, zoned LAR3, presents a potential value-add opportunity for investors, though specific details are outlined in the offering memorandum...

Punk Rock Tribute Night Set for The Venice West

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The lineup includes Doyle Rules honoring The Misfits, Kill the Poor paying tribute to Dead Kennedys, and Rockaways performing Ramones...

Santa Monica College to Perform “Seussical (Theatre for Young Audiences)”

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The 75-minute family-friendly musical, set in the Jungle of Nool, follows Horton the elephant as he protects a speck of...

California Sues Trump Administration Over High-Speed Rail Funding Cut

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Newsom described the move as a “heartless attack on the Central Valley,” threatening jobs and livelihoods Governor Gavin Newsom announced...

Former Hammer Museum Director Receives Getty Prize, Awards $500,000 to NPR

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Philbin’s tenure at the Hammer saw the launch of the Hammer Projects series and the Made in L.A. biennial, alongside...

Salt & Straw Celebrates Ice Cream Week with Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Cone Through the Weekend

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The item launched nationwide, available with any ice cream flavor or as an exclusive sundae featuring Strawberry Honey Balsamic ice...

LAX Metro Transit Center Boosts K Line Ridership, Overall Metro Sees Slight Decline

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The station completes the K Line, allowing continuous service from Expo/Crenshaw Station to Redondo Beach and enhancing regional connectivity through...

Congressman Secures $14.5M for Westside, San Fernando Valley Projects

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The initiatives address wildfire mitigation, public safety, housing, and community services Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that a key...

TONIGHT: 826LA and Beyond Baroque Host Community Open Mic

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The all-ages event, tailored for teens and young adults, invites participants to share poetry, music, storytelling, and creative works Beyond...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Former Culver City Employee Arrested in Sexual Abuse Investigation

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The allegations involve suspected violations relating to lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14 The Culver City Police...