DOWNEY, Calif.–An apparent shootout during a home-invasion robbery in Downey today left a homeowner dead and a suspect wounded and in custody, police said.
Officers sent to the 9300 block of Gainford Street shortly before 3 a.m. found 53-year-old nightclub owner of the well-known Rancho El Farallon, Hermilio Franco dead, according to Downey police.
Lt. Phil Rego said the wounded suspect, whose name was not immediately released, was expected to survive. He was taken into custody at the crime scene and was hospitalized in serious condition.
Downey police requested assistance from a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team and the area was searched for a second man, who was seen running from the scene. That man remained at large as of midday, Rego said.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Sam Gatfield, (562) 904-2391; Detective Maria Villegas, (562) 904-2324; or Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-TIPS.
