Woman shot in Redlands hostage situation remains in critical condition

REDLANDS >> The woman taken hostage and reportedly shot by her estranged boyfriend remains in critical condition Friday moing, according to Loma Linda University Medical Center officials.

Kristin Bauer, 28, was rushed to the medical center following her dramatic rescue by SWAT officers Thursday afteoon after being held hostage for nearly three hours during a standoff that ended with her boyfriend, identified as Andrew Mike, 29, of Downey, being killed by police sharpshooters. Bauer’s family said the shooter’s name was Andrew Bermudez.

Susan Onuma, spokeswoman for the medical center, confirmed Bauer’s condition but could not give further details on her injuries or prospect for recovery.

•Video: Sheriff’s PIO details Redlands hostage situation

Just after 2 p.m. police received several calls of a man firing a handgun in the parking lot of the Office Depot Superstore, 602 Orange St., according to Redlands police. The man, later identified as Mike by police, walked into the Office Depot in search of Bauer. Family said Bauer worked as a manager at the office supply store.

Inside, the two argued, and Mike pulled out a firearm and shot toward his former girlfriend, missing her but striking a bystander in the hand, according to authorities.

• Photos: Shooting at Redlands Office Depot

“The suspect took the female hostage and went out the back of the store (and) stopped out on the street, where he was confronted by our officers,” said Redlands Police Chief Mark Garcia said. “We spent a considerable amount of time trying to negotiate with him to surrender, and to allow the hostage to go, but were unsuccessful.”

• Video: Redlands Police Chief Mark Garcia describes incident

The gunman shot Bauer at least once in the torso. That’s when sharpshooters opened fire, killing the gunman and stopping the threat, Garcia said.

• Video: Greg Bauer pleads for his daughter’s former boyfriend to let her go

Dozens of officers and deputies converged on the shopping center and nearby High Street where Mike held Bauer for several hours.

San Beardino, Colton and Califoia Highway Patrol officers as well as San Beardino County Sheriff’s deputies assisted in the hostage situation.

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