Garden Grove : Police Shoot Transient During Alleged Robbery

A 17-year-old transient was shot and wounded by a patrolman early Sunday as the teen-ager and two companions attempted to flee after allegedly robbing a fast-food restaurant, police said.

Sgt. Larry Ebelt said three men entered the Burger King at 13992 Brookhurst St. shortly before 12:20 a.m. and, after demanding money, tied up three employees on duty.

Officers arriving at the scene intercepted the three men as they were leaving, Ebelt said, and Marcos Tovarcadena was struck in the hip by a round from a 12-gauge shotgun.

The youth was taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, where he was reported in critical condition.

Also arrested at the scene were Miguel G. Hernandez, 19, and Jorge N. Martinez, 18, both also described as transients. All three were being held on suspicion of armed robbery.