HOLLYWOOD—Shock and awe spread through the streets of Hollywood during the early evening of Sunday, August 8, as people heard of a potential bomb threat atop the famed new W Hotel. Police responded to the call as fire trucks, ambulances and cruisers weaved through the busy boulevard and arrived at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine where the hotel is situated.
Sources reported that a man had barricaded himself on the roof of the 350-room luxury high rise, which opened in January of this year. Once there, witnesses reported that the man began to shout threats to those within earshot that he had a bomb, which he threatened to use if his demands were not met.
The hotel was evacuated and all guests were forced to leave; the hotel remained closed for three hours. People gathered outside and a huge crowd formed, comprised of guests and spectators. Traffic along Hollywood Boulevard was adversely affected as people slowed to see what was happening.
Police attempted to contact the man and though he was recalcitrant, negotiation teams were finally able to take the man into custody in what they called a “surrender.” Despite the man’s threats, an explosive devise was never found at the scene. After the three-hour closure, guests were eventually allowed entry into their rooms, and although management had discussed keeping the hotel restaurant Drai’s closed, it was open for business by nighttime.
