Gowanus standoff ends with barricaded gunman's suicide, new details emerge

GOWANUS (WABC) -- Two people were shot inside an iron shop in Brooklyn late Monday morning, after which the gunman engaged in a standoff with officers before eventually taking his own life, according to police.

The scene played out on 13th Street and 2nd Avenue in Gowanus, where gunshots rang out just after 11:15 a.m.

With a handshake and few quick kind words the victim's coworkers surrounded his son, wishing Armando Tapia a speedy recovery.

His son was too distraught to talk, but let a family friend tell Eyewitness News they're still waiting to hear news from doctors about the Mexican immigrant's condition.

Tapia and a coworker were shot inside C & A Iron Works in Gowanus, Brooklyn.

The gunman walked in looking for a job, and when they tried to help, he pulled out a gun and shot them.

"When I saw the gun I didn't want to talk to this guy. I just wanted to escape," said Demetrie Tabakin, a witness.

Tabakin says they all ran out of the building.

The 54-year-old suspect then barricaded himself inside, fortunately not taking any hostages.

"About 45 minutes of dialogue and unprovoked, he just shot himself. We thought we had a positive dialogue but he just made a decision and pulled the trigger," said Lt. Jack Cambria, of the hostage negotiation team and commanding officer.

Several blocks were shut down and some nearby buildings were evacuated.

Investigators recovered a shotgun in his car and a crude makeshift device that was not dangerous.

It's a bizarre case in the heavily industrial area that police are still trying to understand.

The suspect had six prior arrests. The most recent was in 1995 for assault.