Teen Girl Fatally Shot in Arcadia Home; Boyfriend Critically Injured After Suicide Attempt
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Arcadia that left a teenage girl dead and her boyfriend critically injured after he allegedly shot himself in Pasadena.
Authorities responded to a shooting call in Arcadia on Thursday around 11 a.m. where they discovered a teenage girl with a gunshot wound in the 800 block of West Huntington Drive. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released.
Investigators believe that Paul Anthony Cruz Jr., 20, forced his way into the residence and discharged a firearm before fleeing. He was later found in Pasadena with a self-inflicted gunshot wound approximately one hour after the Arcadia incident, according to Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.
Cruz was transported to a hospital in critical condition. A witness in Pasadena described seeing the man lying face down on the sidewalk as police arrived swiftly. "It was really fast," the witness told The Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that Cruz shot himself as Pasadena officers were preparing to make contact with him. The department has not released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting or the events surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.