Andrew Thomas Jones identified as man who committed suicide at Universal Studios
The ex-boyfriend of a Universal Studios Hollywood employee has shot himself to death in the park near the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. The incident happened shortly after his ex, who has a child with the deceased, called security officers after spotting him at the theme park. Her restraining order prohibits the man from contacting her.
Police have identified the victim as Andrew Thomas Jones, who reportedly had two restraining orders issued against him after a pair of recent incidents at the theme park. He was even accused of allegedly vandalizing the unnamed woman’s car in the Universal lot.
Public domain image/National Atlas of the United States
The unidentified employee is a waitress at Mel’s Diner, and called park security when she saw her ex. Park security called the Sheriff’s Department, and a deputy made contact with the man in an out-of-the-way smoking area near the Despicable Me ride. The deputy requested that he stand up, and the individual pulled a gun. The deputy tried to talk the man out of harming himself, but he tragically took his own life.
During the incident, amateur video shows park-goers sheltering in place while authorities secured the scene. The park stayed open and is cooperating with the shooting investigation, “The safety and security of our guests is always of the utmost importance,” the attraction said in a statement.
Regarding the inevitable question as to how a gun made it past security and into the park, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Eddie Hernandez said that while the park checks bags, it doesn’t routinely use metal detectors on entering guests.
