Robbery Suspect Shot by Deputies Is Identified

Authorities on Monday identified an 18-year-old man shot by sheriff’s deputies at the scene of a Rosemead motel robbery after he allegedly taunted them and fired a shotgun in their direction.

Sergio Cerda fired one round at deputies outside the Niceday Inn in the 8400 block of Garvey Avenue early Sunday, said sheriff’s Lt. Marilyn Baker.

Cerda, who was hit once in the torso, was in stable condition. He was booked on suspicion of robbery and attempted murder of a police officer, Baker said.

Ginny Phan, the motel manager, said the suspect banged a sawed-off shotgun against the lobby’s night window and demanded money. She gave him some cash, but he returned, asking for more and telling her to unlock the lobby door.

When she refused, the man shot through the glass door, entered and pointed the gun at her head, Phan said.

After stuffing about $700 into his pockets, the robber left and was met by deputies outside. He appeared unafraid and shouted obscenities at them, Phan said.

The manager, who remained in the back of the lobby during the gunfire, said she did not hear the man fire at the deputies. He ran back inside after he was wounded and asked Phan if he could call a brother on the phone.

“He was crying, telling me he didn’t want to hurt anyone and just wanted money,” Phan said.

The suspect eventually dialed 911 and agreed to surrender, authorities said.

None of the deputies who responded to the scene was hurt in the incident.