Suspect Arrested Following Officer-Involved Shooting In El Monte
EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting Wednesday in El Monte.
Shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, officers from the El Monte Police Department were sent to the 10500 block of Garvey Avenue for report of a disturbance at the Plaza Liquor store, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Upon their arrival, authorities saw the suspect, described as a 48-year-old Hispanic man, exit the liquor store.
"He had both hands inside his waist band as he walked toward the officers," explained Deputy Tony Moore. "The officers could see there was a large bulge in front of the suspect's waistband as if he were concealing something."
The suspect told officers he had a gun and that they had better kill him before charging in their direction, police said.
An officer-involved shooting subsequently occurred.
The suspect fell to the ground and continued to yell that he had a gun.
Officers were able to detain the suspect without further incident.
Paramedics transported him to a hospital for treatment of several gunshot wounds. The suspect is expected to survive his injuries.
A preliminary investigation revealed he had a water bottle secreted in his waistband.
According to the owners of the liquor store, the suspect began knocking down displays and throwing items after entering the store. He had his hand in his waistband and was threatening to rob the store.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.