A teenage girl was shot dead inside an Arcadia home Thursday, and the 20-year-old man she was dating was later hospitalized in critical condition after shooting himself in Pasadena, authorities said.
Paul Anthony Cruz Jr. allegedly forced his way into the residence and opened fire before fleeing the scene, according to information released by authorities.
Arcadia police were called to the 800 block of West Huntington Drive at around 11 a.m. Thursday after someone reported a possible shooting. The caller said a man was inside the residence and had fired a gun.
When officers arrived, they found the teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Authorities have not released her identity.
Cruz had fled before police reached the home, according to Arcadia authorities. Investigators believe he fled to Pasadena, where he attempted to take his own life about one hour later.
At around 12:30 p.m., Cruz was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian told The Los Angeles Times. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
A witness told The Times there were multiple people who saw the Pasadena shooting, which took place on a sidewalk in broad daylight. The witness said he saw the man lying face down and that police arrived about “five seconds” later. “It was really fast,” he said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Cruz shot himself as Pasadena police officers were preparing to contact him. Authorities have not released further details about what led to the shooting or the events surrounding the alleged attack.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
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