Arcadia, California — A teenage girl was shot and killed inside an Arcadia home Thursday, and a 20-year-old man identified by authorities as Paul Anthony Cruz Jr. was later hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Pasadena.
According to information released by authorities, Cruz allegedly forced his way into the residence and opened fire before leaving the scene. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting and the events that followed.
The girl’s identity has not been released publicly, and authorities have not provided further details about what led to the alleged attack.
Police Respond to Shooting at Arcadia Home
Arcadia police officers were called to the 800 block of West Huntington Drive at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday following a report of a possible shooting.
The caller reported that a man was inside the residence and had fired a gun, according to authorities.
When officers arrived, they found a teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim or released additional information about her age.
Investigators are examining the circumstances of the shooting, including the reported forced entry and the suspect’s movements after leaving the property.
Suspect Allegedly Fled Before Officers Arrived
According to Arcadia authorities, Cruz had left the residence before officers reached the scene.
Investigators believe he traveled to Pasadena following the shooting. Approximately an hour after the initial incident, authorities received information about a second shooting involving the suspect.
The relationship between Cruz and the teenage girl was described in the initial report as a dating relationship. However, authorities have not released further details about the events leading up to the shooting or what may have prompted the alleged attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Cruz have not been established in court.
Pasadena Shooting Leaves Suspect in Critical Condition
At approximately 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Cruz was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Pasadena, according to information provided by Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian to The Los Angeles Times.
He was transported to a hospital in critical condition. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Cruz shot himself as Pasadena police officers were preparing to contact him.
The circumstances unfolded in a public area during daylight hours. A witness told that multiple people saw the shooting on a sidewalk.
The witness described seeing the man lying face down and said police arrived about “five seconds” later.
“It was really fast,” the witness said.
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Authorities have not released further details about the suspect’s condition beyond the initial report that he was critically injured.
Investigators Seek Information About the Deadly Shooting
Authorities have not disclosed additional details about what led to the shooting inside the Arcadia home or the sequence of events before the suspect was located in Pasadena.
Investigators are continuing to examine the case, and officials have urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is handling information related to the investigation. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information that could assist detectives is encouraged to come forward.
People with information can contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submit information through lacrimestoppers.org.
What We Know So Far
The teenage girl was found with a gunshot wound inside an Arcadia residence and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say Cruz allegedly fled before officers arrived and was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Pasadena.
He was hospitalized in critical condition, while the victim’s identity and further details about the circumstances of the shooting remain undisclosed.
Authorities have not announced additional findings about the motive or the events preceding the shooting.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact investigators. Residents with relevant details can help authorities piece together what happened in Arcadia and Pasadena.
