Suspect Named in Slaying of Sheriff’s Deputy

Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials on Wednesday named a suspect in the shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy Monday: Jorge “Armando” Arroyo Garcia, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant and suspected drug dealer who may have fled back to Mexico.

On Wednesday afternoon, Baldwin Park police found the 1989 Nissan Maxima that Garcia drove when he allegedly killed Deputy David March, authorities said.

The car was found on the 14100 block of Chilcot Street near Baldwin Park Boulevard, said sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Mileham. Homicide detectives and bloodhounds will scour the car for potential evidence.

Sheriff Lee Baca released photos of the suspect taken from a video provided to the Sheriff’s Department by someone who knew Garcia. He did not say how investigators fixed on Garcia as their prime suspect.

Lt. Ray Peavy, a top homicide investigator, said they are confident they have named the right man--”and when we capture him, it will be clear this is the case.”

The suspect is believed to be 5 feet 10 to 6 feet tall, weighing about 230 pounds, with short black hair combed back, a dark complexion and, at the time of the shooting, a mustache and chin whiskers.

Garcia, who is considered armed and dangerous, has used “Daniel,” “Chato” and other aliases while manufacturing and selling amphetamines, Baca said. The sheriff said Garcia has a criminal record going back to his youth.

Garcia is also wanted by the Baldwin Park Police Department in connection with two attempted murders since November for allegedly shooting at houses. The suspect, who authorities said has generally been active in the San Gabriel Valley, also is wanted by El Monte police on weapons charges.

According to information reaching investigators, Baca said, Garcia had told friends that he was determined not to be taken alive and would shoot the first officer to stop him.

Deputy David March, 33, was shot after stopping a driver on Live Oak Avenue just east of Peck Road in Irwindale, Baca and Peavy said.

Within a minute of the stop, the deputy was fatally wounded by shots fired from a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Baca said. March was unable to return fire.

Peavy said one man was taken into custody after the shooting, but later was determined not to have been involved. He is still being held on unrelated warrants.

Contrary to initial reports, investigators now believe Garcia was alone at the time of the shooting.

Baca said he fears Garcia has returned to Mexico, and Mexican authorities are cooperating in the search for him. He said the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service are also helping in the search.

Funeral services for March are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Baptist Church Amphitheatre, 22833 Copper Hill Drive in Saugus. A graveside ceremony will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary, 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall.

A memorial fund has been set up for March’s family. Donations may be mailed to Sheriff’s Relief Fund No. 257 in care of the Sheriff’s Relief Assn., 11515 S. Colima Road, Whittier, CA 90604.