Guard Killed, Suspect Injured in Gunfight
A security guard was killed and an armed robbery suspect was apparently wounded Friday when they traded gunfire at a Lakewood check-cashing business, authorities said.
The shooting took place about 2:40 p.m. outside the Check Into Cash business on Woodruff Avenue. Sheriff’s deputies arrested the wounded suspect about a mile away after witnesses led them to him.
Neither the suspect nor the guard was identified. Friends, however, said the guard was a father of five who had been planning a family gathering Friday.
“The guard sustained multiple gunshot wounds, but was able to return fire,” said Deputy Rick Varela. “He struck the suspect at least once.”
Raquel Yvette, 17, and her sister, Brooke, 26, were waiting to get manicures next door at Vogue Nails when they heard about half a dozen loud pops.
“It was ridiculously loud. We closed the door and ran to the back,” Raquel Yvette said. “Then we saw the robber limp by really fast with the gun in his hand, holding his leg.”
Once outside, the sisters saw the mortally wounded guard in the doorway of the business. He was pronounced dead at Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
The suspect is expected to recover, deputies said.
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