A disgruntled cook at a Marriott hotel who had an arsenal of weapons in his home has been arrested after telling a colleague he was planning an act of violence.
Long Beach Post News (LBPN) reported officers found high powered firearms, including assault rifles, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition and high-capacity magazines at the Huntington Beach home of Rodolfo Montoya, 37, on Tuesday local time.
According to police, Montoya had clear plans and the ability to carry out “an act of violence that may have resulted in a mass casualty incident”.
🚨News Release🚨
37-year-old Rodolfo Montoya of Huntington Beach was arrested for a verbal threat of violence on 8/20/19 & firearms, ammunition & tactical gear were seized from his residence.For more information, click the link below:https://t.co/eWSCc7ykf8 pic.twitter.com/osa3oNXt1C
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) August 21, 2019
Imran Ahmed, general manager Long Beach Marriott, claims Montoya told one of his colleagues of his plan on Monday.
When that co-worker informed Ahmed, he immediately called police, who quickly sent multiple officers to the hotel.
LBPN cited police as saying Montoya’s co-workers were instrumental in stopping the attack, with Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) chief Robert Luna reportedly saying to Ahmed, “Sir, you saved many lives, not only of your employees but any customers that may have been at the Marriott when this guy decided to show up and carry out his threat”.
A spokesperson on behalf of Marriott International said the company was grateful to LBPD for acting “quickly to arrest a suspect who indicated an intention to harm co-workers at a Marriott hotel”.
“As always, the safety and security of our guests and associates is a top priority … In the wake of devastating events in the USA, it is encouraging that people who see, hear or learn something are speaking up and helping law enforcement prevent future tragedies,” the spokesperson told Travel Weekly.
It’s not clear yet when Montoya planned to carry out the attack, but police served a search warrant at his home on Tuesday and arrested him there, LBPN reported.
