Police thwart potential major mass killing after disgruntled chef reportedly threatens to execute hotel staff

Police thwarted a potential mass killing on Wednesday, which was apparently set to take place at a Long Beach, California, hotel.

The suspect, 37-year-old Rodolfo Montoya, reportedly had a stockpile of weapons and arsenal to carry out the potential attack.

What are the details?

Authorities arrested Montoya, who was allegedly planning to murder co-workers at a California Marriott on Thursday, after Montoya's colleague reported that the suspect revealed his plans.

Montoya's manager, Imran Ahmed, phoned police after learning of the plan, prompting authorities to visit Montoya's Huntington Beach home. Montoya reportedly put the plan together after an undisclosed dispute with his human resources department.

When authorities arrived at the suspect's home, they discovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, tactical gear, high-powered rifles, and shotgun cartridges. Authorities say that the arsenal was comparable to that used in the 2017 Las Vegas mass killing, which took the lives of 58 people and wounded more than 400 others.

Authorities charged Montoya with manufacturing and distributing assault weapons, possession of an assault weapon, and making a criminal threat. Montoya is being held on a $500,000 bail at the Long Beach City Jail in Long Beach.

In a statement, Long Beach Police officials said, "Multiple firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear were seized, including high-capacity magazines and an assault rifle, which are illegal to possess in California."

What else?

Long Beach Police Chief Robert G. Luna commended Ahmed's diligence in reporting the situation.

"We have seen several tragic incidents that have resulted in many lives lost," Luna said during a Wednesday news conference. "The witnesses who came forward and the diligence of our employees involved in this investigation very likely prevented a threat of violence and saved many lives."

To Ahmed, who was present at the conference, Luna added, "Sir, you saved many lives — not only of your employees, but any customers that may have been at the Marriott when this guy decided to show up and carry out his threat."

Luna also insisted that Montoya "had clear plans, intent and the means to carry out an act of violence that may have resulted in a mass casualty incident."

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia commended local law enforcement for working to "avert what could have been a real tragedy."

A news release from the Long Beach Police Department added, "We want to thank the hotel employee for bringing this information forward. This incident is excellent example of the 'See Something, Say Something' philosophy and how critical it is to report suspicious activity to law enforcement."