A semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene where El Monte police shot and killed a shoplifting suspect following a vehicle pursuit, authorities said Tuesday.
The shooting occurred Monday night in the 11000 block of Tyler Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Earlier, El Monte Police Department officers responded to a report that a male customer was causing a disturbance and brandishing a gun at a Target store at 8:45 p.m. Monday in the 3600 block of Peck Road, near Sitka Street. He reportedly had been caught stealing merchandise with a female and returned to the store later with the firearm, according to sheriff’s officials.
When officers arrived, the suspect drove away and officers pursued the vehicle a short distance, sheriff’s officials said.
The suspect abandoned the car near a Chase bank location and fled on foot, detectives said. The officers followed him to the 11000 block of Tyler Avenue where they opened fire and shot the suspect.
The man suffered several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene despite receiving immediate medical aid, sheriff’s officials said, adding that officers recovered a semi-automatic handgun.
No officers were injured during the shooting. According to the sheriff’s department, the female suspect was detained after the pursuit, interviewed and released.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives are assisting the El Monte Police Department in the shooting investigation.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.