Charges filed in Whittier library hostage-taking case

WHITTIER — Authorities charged a Whittier man with a host of felony charges Thursday for allegedly holding a woman hostage at scissor point at the Whittier Public Library as he demanded marijuana, a car and a Mexican army escort.
Ignacio Gabriel Munoz, 30, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of making criminal threats and commercial burglary with a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s officials said in a written statement.
At the request of prosecution, Munoz’s bail was increased from $100,000 to $1 million.
A woman was with her students at the library, 7344 Washington Avenue, shortly after noon Tuesday when Munoz suddenly grabbed her, pulled her from her chair, put scissors up to her throat and began screaming that he had a hostage, police said.
“When police arrived, he allegedly demanded a pound of kush (high-quality marijuana), a car and the Mexican Army to pick him up,” according to the district attorney’s statement.
He was ultimately subdued with a less lethal projectile and arrested, Whittier police Lt. Steve Dean said. The woman was frightened but unharmed.
The alleged victim was a stranger to Munoz, police added. It was not clear what type of teacher the woman was, or what age group of students she was at the library with.
“(Munoz) also allegedly threatened two other people during the situation,” the statement said.
If convicted as charged, Munoz faces the possibility of life in prison.
Munoz was due back in Whittier Superior Court May 24 for a preliminary hearing, court officials said. At the preliminary hearing, a judge will review a summary of the evidence in the case and determine whether it’s sufficient to order the defendant to stand trial.
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