Man commits suicide at Universal Studios theme park

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The ex-boyfriend of an employee at Universal Studios in Hollywood shot himself to death Friday afternoon inside the theme park, authorities said.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was not immediately released.

A waitress at Mel's Diner in the park called security officers at about 2 p.m. after seeing her former boyfriend and father of her child nearby, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Eddie Hernandez said.

Park security officers contacted the Sheriff's Department and a deputy spotted the man in a secluded smoking area near the "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" ride, Hernandez told City News Service.

When the deputy asked him to stand up, he pulled a gun and shot himself despite the deputy's effort to talk him out of hurting himself, Hernandez said.

The man had two restraining orders barring him from contacting the woman after two incidents at the park, including one about a week ago when the man vandalized the woman's car in a parking lot, Hernandez said.

The park remained open and was cooperating with the shooting investigation, according to a statement.

"The safety and security of our guests is always of the utmost importance," the statement said.

Hernandez said that while the park checks bags, it doesn't routinely use metal detectors on entering guests.

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