The artifacts from that and related events are now part of a just opened exhibit at the Los Angeles Police Historical Society Museum in Highland Park.
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On April 3, 1974, Patty Hearst announced to the world in an audio taped communiqué, that she had joined in her captors’ cause and had changed her name to “Tania.” Less than two weeks later she was photographed wielding an M1 carbine while robbing a San Francisco bank.
In that moment, in the eyes of authorities, she had gone from kidnap victim to armed robber, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
In May 1974, the search for Hearst and SLA members came to Los Angeles and “a modest home on 54th street,” according to an LA Police Museum newsletter publicizing the exhibit that opened March 16 with a sold-out VIP reception.
“When thousands of rounds ripped through the Newton street air, it was clear something unique was happening,” writes Glynn Martin, the Los Angeles Police Historical Museum’s executive director.
What ensued was an “epic” gun battle between LAPD officers and the Symbionese Liberation Army that lasted for hours. Six SLA members were killed; no SWAT members were injured.
Patty Hearst was nowhere to be found.
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The Los Angeles Police Historical Society Museum is housed in the old Highland Park jail located at 6045 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042. It is open Mon-Thurs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
General Admission (ages 13-61) is $8; Seniors (62 and over) $7; Children 12 and under are free.
For more information, call (323) 344-9445 or go on-line to
www.laps.org.
