Suspect Killed In Deputy-Involved Shooting In South El Monte

SOUTH EL MONTE (CBSLA) — Authorities in Los Angeles County say a suspect has been killed in a deputy-involved shooting in South El Monte.

Homicide detectives say the incident unfolded around 9 a.m. Sunday in the 900 block of Durfee Avenue east of Rosemead Boulevard.

It was there that authorities say the shooting occurred. A suspect was struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

No deputies were injured.

Police say they were responding to reports of a prowler in the neighborhood. They say family members of the owners of a nearby house called police when they drove by and saw an open door. When deputies got there a man and a woman were outside. The man took off, dropping his backpack and coat as he ran. Deputies say he pulled out two knives and that's when one of the deputies chasing him pulled out his gun and opened fire.

"We don't really know why the person was there. It's a vacant house that we believe to be a place where possibly homeless people congregate at times," said Sgt. Vincent Plair, LA County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies say the man who was shot is 40-years-old and lives in the area. He was shot an unknown number of times and died on scene.

Deputies say when they went back to the home after the shooting they found several other people inside but wouldn't say what they were doing there.

The victim's name has not been released yet. As for the woman who was with him, she is being questioned but is not under arrest.

Anyone with more information about the incident was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.