Fullerton residents near Orangethorpe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard were shaken Sunday after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside Rodeo Smoke Shop, wielded a large knife and caused an estimated $30,000 in damage during a standoff with police.
What happened and how it affected nearby businesses
The Fullerton Police Department says the incident began about 10:30 a.m. when 41-year-old Michael Black entered the store. A female employee working alone escaped and called 911, seeking help at a neighboring market, according to K's Market employee Harmesh Lal, who said, "She came in very frightened."
Officers arriving on scene reported Black was seen brandishing a large knife, holding it to his neck at times, while vandalizing the shop — spray-painting windows, knocking over refrigerators and merchandise displays and attempting to start fires. The entire strip mall was evacuated during the response.
"I'm unsure if he came in with the knife or if he obtained the knife from inside the business,"
said Sgt. Billy Phu of the Fullerton Police Department.
Police response and arrest
Police say the standoff lasted about four hours. Officers forced entry by breaking the store's front glass, deployed a chemical agent inside the business and took the suspect into custody. The Fullerton Police Department said the suspect, who is from San Francisco, was not previously known to local authorities but has an extensive criminal history and is a convicted felon.
Authorities booked Black on multiple counts related to the incident. Charges listed by police include:
- Assault on an officer
- Possession of nitrous oxide
- Felony vandalism
- Obstruction/resisting
- Brandishing a weapon
- Arson
- Resisting or delaying arrest
Damage, cleanup and community impact
The business is now boarded up while cleanup and repairs continue. Police estimated damage to the store at about $30,000. Fullerton residents who use the shopping center may see temporary closures or restricted access while owners repair the property and investigators complete any needed work at the scene.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Rodeo Smoke Shop, Orangethorpe Ave & Harbor Blvd |
| Time reported | About 10:30 a.m., Sunday |
| Duration | About 4 hours |
| Estimated damage | $30,000 |
| Suspect | Michael Black, 41, from San Francisco |
Sgt. Phu told reporters the motive remains unclear. As of the police statement, the suspect remains in custody and faces the multiple charges related to the incident. The Fullerton Police Department is the primary agency on the investigation and cleanup continues at the damaged business.
Residents with concerns about safety or local business operations should check updates from the Fullerton Police Department and city officials as cleanup and any follow-up investigations progress.
