Shootout with Ex-Cop Dorner, One Dead

FINAL UPDATE   Overnight police say they have now found charred body, have to test to ID but have called off manhunt.

UPDATE #9  Numerous sources say dead body found in cabin.  But now, at 11:30 ET, L.A. Times headlines that conflicting stories--with sources saying no body found because cabin still to hot to enter.  Also will no be able to ID charred body for hours or days.  The NYT just now reports:  "News organization had widely reported that Mr. Dorner’s body was found in the building, but a spokesman from the Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday evening that they did not have the body. Even once police retrieved the body, it could take days or weeks to identify it, officials said."

UPDATE #8  9:20 ET  L.A. Times story reveals step-by-step assault on cabin.  Repeats earlier claim they heard one single shot and then nothing.  Will search basement for Dormer. 

UPDATE #7  San Bernardino briefing just now merely says suspect in cabin and it's on fire.  One officer dead but other officer "expected to survive."  Still "not confirmed" that it is Dorner. 

UPDATE  #6 CNN reporter in area lends some credence to report that Dorner may have set off device and escaped or is nearby.  However, CBS reporter near scene says police heard single shot in cabin as fire spread, perhaps self-inflicted shot. 

UPDATE #5  7:15 ET   Police says "tactical operation" under way and tear gas fired into cabin.  Assumption no hostages inside.  SWAT team has entered cabin.  Live shot of smoke coming from cabin.  Another report that ammo exploded.

CNN now showing large flames leaping from cabin or cabins but can't see police on ground-- and no attempt to put out.  Is it possible Dorner not there?   Some folks listening to scanners say unconfirmed reports that he may have escaped to "a horse corral."  Huh?


UPDATE #3  LA Times reports one of officers shot today has died. 

UPDATE #2   LAPD press briefing at 6 pm ET.  Not much new.  Confirms that started at 3:22 ET.  Report of vehicle stolen, police trapped, Dorner fled, and the shootout took place at cabin only.   Still "not positive" it is Dorner.  Nothing new on condition of two shot. 

UPDATE #1   CNN quotes L.A. Times saying Dorner has two hostages in cabin. Unconfirmed.  L.A. Times says "hundreds of rounds" have been fired.  

CNN right now carrying scanner noise from scene of earlier shoot out--loud voices, maybe gun shots, shouting, hard to say what it was but horrible sounding.  CNN crawl says "bunker buster SWAT team" has arrived, whatever that is. 


L.A. Times with update with new details on chain of events.   MSNBC picking up live feed from KNBC in California.  Shows police at road close to cabin.  Armed tank-like vehicle went through at one point.  Seems that he held couple for days in one cabin--on Club View Dr. in Big Bear Lake-- but now is in another many miles away.  

CNN quoting sheriff's office that seems to say he is "barricaded" in cabin, or may be outside.  Still armed.   May be woman at cabin, or not.   In any case: still "pinned down."

Media told by police to stop showing aerial shots of area where Dorner may be--and CNN complies.  Might mention this--not 100% certain this is Dorner, though likely.

Earlier: Reports just out that ex-cop and killer Chris Dorner was in shootout with cops today in Big Bear area.  NBC just now says two officers wounded and taken to hospital, no word on condition.  Report of a home invaded by Dorner, couple tied up, someone made 911 call, Dorner stole truck, cops gave chase.  Truck abandoned.  Police followed footprints in snow and shootout ensued.  CNN says he shot at a "roadblock" but also says shootout was at cabin.  Obviously confusion now.

Mayor of Big Bear Lake on CNN just now says "pinned down" eight miles from town in "very rural" area.  

No word if he is surrounded, "firefight" in process or escaped or what.  Scanner reportedly reveals he is "pinned down." Stay tuned.  Will we get another O.J. chase for State of Union coverage tonight? CNN and MSNBC covering live.