A teenage girl was shot to death at an Arcadia home on Thursday and the 20-year-old man she was dating shot himself in Pasadena and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said.
According to information released by authorities, Paul Anthony Cruz Jr. allegedly forced his way into the home and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Arcadia police were called to the 800 block of West Huntington Avenue around 11 a.m. Thursday on a report of a possible shooting. The caller said a man was inside the residence and shots were fired.
When police arrived, they found the teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Authorities have not released her identity.
Cruz fled before police arrived at the home, according to Arcadia authorities. Investigators believe he fled to Pasadena, where he attempted suicide about an hour later.
Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian told the Los Angeles Times that Cruz was found with a gunshot wound around 12:30 p.m. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
A witness told The Times that multiple people witnessed the Pasadena shooting that took place on a sidewalk in broad daylight. The witness said he saw the man lying face down and police arrived about “five seconds” later. “It’s really fast,” he said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Cruz shot himself in the head as Pasadena police prepared to contact him. Authorities have not released further details about the events leading up to the shooting or the alleged assault.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Tips who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.