Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Coroner investigators have yet to arrive to the scene of an officer-involved shooting, almost 12 hours after the suspect was found dead.

The suspect was found inside the warehouse in the 1500 block of McKinley Avenue where officers initially contacted, struggled with and fired upon him, according to the Azusa Police Department.

It is unclear if the suspect died from Azusa Police gunfire, or if he took his own life, police said.

The suspect was only described as a Hispanic man in his 50s.

Coroner investigators are barely en route to the scene, according to Investigator Nani Cholakians of the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

At least three Azusa Police officers arrived to the warehouse around 12:40 a.m. December 21 on a reported suspicious person, or possible burglary in progress. Upon contacting the suspect, he produced a handgun and a struggle for the weapon ensued.

As the suspect fled police, at least one officer opened fire, but it has not been disclosed if the suspect was struck.

The disappearance of the suspect sparked a nearly 10-hour search in the area. A portion of Irwindale Avenue from West 1st Street to Gladstone Street was blocked.

Glendora, Covina, and Baldwin Park Police Departments along with a helicopter aided in a search.

A coroner investigation will determine cause of death and an identity.

It is unclear if the affected warehouse was occupied during the burglary call.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
​CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - No injuries were reported after officers struggled with an armed burglary suspect and opened fire on him Friday morning.

The struggle and officer-involved shooting occurred at Irwindale Avenue and McKinley Avenue around 12:40 a.m. December 21. Officers were searching for a burglary suspect in the 1500 block of McKinley Avenue when they encountered an armed man, according to Lt. Robert Landeros of the Azusa Police Department.

The suspect armed himself with a handgun. The officers began struggling with him to get the gun away, Azusa Police said.

At least one officer fired upon the suspect as he fled, but is unclear if he was hit.

Officers are concentrating their search in an area near Motor Avenue and Paramount Street, according to Paul Arrasmith, who works in the area.

Police vehicles, fire trucks and a SWAT truck are at the scene.

Employees and trucks nearby the search are being prevented from entering their buildings.

A large warehouse about two blocks north of the scene reported an unknown subject was trying to buzz someone through the front door intercom around 11:30 p.m. — about an hour before the shooting. No employees were inside the building at the time. An alert was received about the mysterious person.


Irwindale, Glendora, Covina and Baldwin Park Police Officers are assisting with traffic control.


Irwindale Avenue from First Street to Gladstone Street remain closed