LOS ANGELES _ Police in Long Beach thwarted a possible mass shooting this week when they arrested a disgruntled hotel cook they say threatened to carry out violence at his workplace.
Rodolfo Montoya, 37, who worked at the Long Beach Marriott, was taken into custody Tuesday at his home in Huntington Beach. Officers seized multiple high-powered firearms, including an assault rifle; 38 high-capacity magazines; and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, according to investigators.
Police said Montoya told a co-worker Monday that he planned to come into work and shoot everybody he saw at the hotel. Montoya was angry about a human resources issue, according to investigators.
The co-worker notified the hotel's management team, which contacted police. Officers located Montoya and took him into custody the following day.
"I believe the Police Department has worked to avert what could have been a real tragedy in this community," Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said Wednesday at a news conference announcing the arrest.
Investigators said the specificity of the plan that Montoya described to his co-worker, as well as his access to firearms, were sources of particular concern.
"Suspect Montoya had clear plans, intent and the means to carry out an act of violence that may have resulted in a mass casualty incident," Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna said.
Montoya was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing assault weapons, possession of an assault weapon and making a criminal threat.
He is being held at the Long Beach City Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. Detectives were continuing to interview him Wednesday afternoon.
