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POMONA (CNS) - Criminal charges were filed today against an ex-con who allegedly exchanged gunfire with police near Azusa Pacific University and then forced his way into a nearby home at a trailer complex before surrendering.
Edward Gamino, 34, pleaded not guilty to two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied motor vehicle and one count each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm on a peace officer or firefighter, first-degree residential burglary with a person present, elder or dependent adult abuse and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The gunfire -- which prompted a shelter-in-place warning from Azusa Pacific University's Campus Safety division urging people to stay indoors and away from windows -- began about 11 a.m. Sunday near Citrus and Alosta avenues in Azusa.
An hour later, police received a report of a man firing a gun into the air in the 800 block of East Foothill Boulevard. Gamino also allegedly fired at and missed a car driven by a janitor at the university.
Police said they later found Gamino and chased him on foot. During the pursuit, Gamino allegedly fired at the officers, who returned fire. No one was hit by the gunfire.
Gamino then allegedly forced his way in to a nearby home at a trailer complex, where an adult female resident managed to escape unharmed. Officers surrounded the home and Gamino eventually surrendered without further incident.
He has remained behind bars since being arrested by Azusa police just after 2 p.m. Sunday and is due back in a Pomona courtroom July 6.
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