Christopher Dorner Manhunt Ends in Big Bear Cabin

Christopher Dorner is a 33-year-old former member of both the Los Angeles Police Department and the U.S. Navy Reserve. Dorner led law enforcement officials on a manhunt lasting two weeks.

The manhunt for Christopher Dorner ended up in a cabin in Big Bear, California. Dorner was first spotted in the area by California Fish and Game Officers. The officers, driving in separate vehicles, both chased Dorner and a gun fight ensued. Dorner ended up crashing his vehicle but he quickly carjacked another pickup truck. He didn't make it far as he ended up crashing into a snow bank while one of the California Fish and Game officers fired at his truck. It is not known if the truck was struck by any bullets. At this point, Dorner fled on foot and he arrived at the cabin owned by the family of 911 Restoration Franchisee Eric Funnell. This is where the final confrontation between Dorner and the Los Angeles Police Department would happen.

Dorner entered the cabin and barricaded himself inside while law enforcement officials urged him to œSurrender or come out. Ultimately, their pleading was done in vain as Dorner never came out. A SWAT team surrounded the cabin and tear gas was thrown into the cabin to force Dorner out. The cabin burst into flames and a single gunshot was heard before explosions and flames were heard and seen. An armored vehicle then tore down each of the cabin's four walls to reveal a burned body. Police have said it could take weeks for forensics to identify the body but they are sure it's Christopher Dorner.

About Eric Funnell, Owner

Eric Funnell, owner of 911 Restoration of Palmdale, CA, a nationwide restoration company that specializes in fire, water, and mold services, was at work when he first heard the news via a text from his mother. œMy mom sent me a text saying, ˜Dorner's at the cabins. Firefight!' So I immediately found the closest TV, and first thing I saw was our cabins there, and I was just in shock and disarray." Funnell says that no one from his family has been allowed to return to 7 Oaks Mountain Cabins while investigators are poring over the remains. Funnell says his mother's cabin was insured and it will be rebuilt. When speaking of what went down Eric says, œIt's obviously very tragic. We may have lost a cabin but the most tragic of this is that somebody has lost their life.

Image source: Inside Edition (02/13/2013). Retrieved on February 28 2013