Weekend errands at a Cerritos shopping center turned into a crime scene Saturday evening, after deputies found a person dead in a parking lot on the 11000 block of South Street near South and Gridley streets. Part of the busy strip mall lot was sealed off with crime-scene tape as homicide detectives moved in, and officials said a suspect believed to be armed is still on the loose.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the suspect was reported to have a knife, while they believe the person who was killed may have been armed with a gun.
What Investigators Say
According to KTLA, deputies were called to the 11000 block of South Street on July 19, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau took over the scene. Footage posted to the Citizen app showed yellow tape and at least one LASD cruiser blocking off part of the shopping-center parking area.
KTLA reported that investigators pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Sheriff’s officials described a suspect at large who was armed with a knife, and detectives told reporters they believe the person who was killed may have been armed with a gun.
How To Help Investigators
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department lists its Homicide Bureau in the LASD phone directory at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Detectives asked residents and businesses near the scene to check their surveillance cameras and share any footage that could help the investigation. The department did not immediately release the victim’s name as detectives continued processing the scene.
Violence Near Local Malls
The case comes on the heels of another deadly incident near Los Cerritos Center earlier in June, when a teenage boy was fatally shot near a Chick-fil-A, as reported by a deadly shooting near a Cerritos Chick-fil-A. That killing, along with Saturday’s death, has renewed calls for tips to the Homicide Bureau as detectives work to identify and locate any suspects.
Officials asked the public to stay clear of the taped-off area while investigators work. The Sheriff’s Department said it will release updates when new information becomes available.
