Disgruntled Employee Takes Popcorn Company Executive Hostage

EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — A popcorn company executive was freed Tuesday morning after being held hostage for more than three hours by a disgruntled female employee.

El Segundo police received a call at 8:18 a.m. about an armed employee in her 20s at Popcornopolis' corporate office, located at 1301 East El Segundo Boulevard.

"A female employee came into the business with a handgun and told people to get out," Cpt. Bob Turnbull told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO. "She locked herself in an office with the CFO, the highest ranking person at the business today."

Some Popcornopolis employees were able to flee the building while others hid in a warehouse before eventually exiting, officials said.

Police surrounded the building and crisis negotiators were brought in.

The woman finally released the unidentified CFO unharmed just after 11 a.m., police said. She later surrendered to authorities at 11:29 a.m. A motive for the incident is unknown.

"We'll be interviewing all those who were involved and conducting a very thorough investigation related to this incident," Lt. Raymond Garcia said.

The identity of the suspect was not released, however police said she was a current Popcornopolis employee.

Gardena and Manhattan Beach police departments assisted the El Segundo Police Department in the standoff.