A man believed to be armed and barricaded has drawn a heavy police response near the Westminster Civic Center on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 12, with numerous city government offices shut down and workers sheltering in place.
Law enforcement authorities have descended on an area around 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center.
“Come out with your hands up and nothing in your hands, the building is surrounded,” police could be heard repeatedly urging the suspect over a megaphone.
A section of Beach Boulevard was shut down as officers dealt with the barricade, Westminster police Commander Andy Stowers said. Police believe the suspect is armed, but they aren’t sure, he said.
No shootings or injuries have been reported, Stowers said.
Authorities did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the standoff.
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Police respond to the area of 15th Street and Beach Boulevard, near the courthouse and civic center, to a barricaded suspect believed to be armed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Westminster. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kahuna Kane, the manager of Cheapest Smokes on Beach Boulevard, said he noticed the street was closed down around 2 p.m. From inside the store, he could see large numbers of police and crowds of pedestrians gathering. He didn’t know what had led up to it.
Kane said the disruption seriously affected business, as no one has been able to enter or exit the store’s parking lot.
Westminster police asked the public to avoid the area while the police activity continues.
The Civic Center, City Hall, Community Services & Recreation, and the Senior Center are were closed until further notice, Westminster police announced on Facebook around 3 p.m.
Staff photographer Jeff Gritchen contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added when it is available.