Police: 2 Armed Robbery Suspects Fatally Shot By Business Owner In Montebello
MONTEBELLO (CBSLA.com) — Police say two armed suspects were killed early Saturday in Montebello by a local business owner they were trying to rob.
Officers responded to the 2100 block of West Whittier Boulevard around 12:20 a.m. to a report of a robbery and shots fired.
According to Montebello police, officers arrived to find a male suspect who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
A second suspect was later located in the 100 block of North Wilcox Avenue with a single gunshot wound.
The wounds were fatal.
A preliminary investigation determined both suspects were armed with handguns attempted to rob the victim, a local business owner, striking the victim once, according to Lt. Andy Vuncanon.
"Officers arrived and determined that the victim of a street robbery was actually able to defend himself and there was a subsequent shooting. The victim was approached by two suspects on foot and both those suspects were armed. The victim was as well armed and he was able to defend himself," Lt. Vuncanon said.
"One of the suspects fired a couple of rounds at the victim and the victim was able to return fire and as a result we had two suspects that were killed in the robbery," he said.
According to Lt. Vuncanon, the victim was shot in the stomach. His injuries were described as non-life threatening.
Police were able to recover his wallet and watch, which had been stolen, he said.
The suspects have not yet been identified.
Whittier was shut down between 20th and Wilcox during the investigation.
CBS2's Greg Mills said police are not releasing the store owner's name citing safety concerns.
Investigators are attempting to contact anyone that can provide information about this incident. The public is encouraged to contact the lead investigator, Det. C. Adams, or Det. P. Antista at (323) 887 1313.
