LA Port steps up security after crane death

News Story
- 31 Aug 2017 ( #836 ) - Los Angeles, CA, United States
1 min read
James Llamas fell to his death from a gantry crane. PHOTO: CNN
James Llamas fell to his death from a gantry crane. PHOTO: CNN
Port of Los Angeles officials have introduced new security measures after last week's breach in which a man being chased by police in a stolen SUV was able to drive into a secure terminal area and climb a crane before jumping or falling to his death.

"Last week's incident involving a subject in a stolen car illegally entering one of our terminals is something we will learn from and we have taken immediate interim steps to correct,'' says Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka. "There is nothing more important than the safety of our workers and the security of our port complex.''

Interim steps include modifications to access points at the West Basin Container Terminal, along with additional security personnel and road barriers.

The fatal chase involved 23-year-old James Llamas who drove through the terminal area before bailing out of the still-rolling vehicle. He climbed a gantry crane and perched himself several stories above the piers and channels on the waterfront, where at various times he danced around and lounged on his back before stripping off his clothes.

Law enforcement officers and firefighters positioned themselves below and crews, including divers, waited in boats, ready to attempt a rescue or recovery if the suspect jumped or fell into the water.

The suspect plunged about 160 ft. (48 m) and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
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