Car of the suspect that overturned at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier. Photo Compliments of  LA Sheriff Media Photo!

By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2011
10:38 p.m.


Whittier Hills, CA


Scary night yesterday up at Rose Hills Cemetery in the Whittier Hills.

A suspect was arrested Monday evening at approximately 6:39 PM, after the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department received a frantic all about a “armed man, who was possibly suicidal."

These type of situations can always turn out real ugly, but this on has a happy ending, sort of.

The call was received from Rose Hills Cemetery over at  3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier.  We have all been up to Rose Hills.  Very tranquil. Very sprawling cemetery that over shadows the 605 Freeway and is located next door to Rio Hondo Community College.

A male suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and carjacking at Rose Hills Cemetery.  After the carjacking, he pointed a gun at a deputy arriving to handle the call, then crashed and flipped the stolen truck. He was then arrested by deputies.

The caller stated that a male adult in a red explorer, armed with a handgun, was at the main gate near the carnation garden.

The suspect’s sister called and advised that her brother (male Hispanic, 25-year old suspect) had been drinking and he was en route to their mother’s burial spot.

Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station Deputy Hernandez responded to the main gate entrance along with assisting units. Deputy Hernandez received information from the “Rose Hills Cemetery” security staff that the suspect pointed a handgun at them. The suspect then left on foot in an unknown direction. Deputy Hernandez received information that the suspect car jacked a cemetery employee inside the cemetery and drove off with his pickup truck.

Deputy Hernandez observed the pickup truck traveling toward the front gates at a high rate of speed. As the suspect drove past Deputy Hernandez, the suspect pointed a handgun at him. The suspect then turned onto a grassy area and then onto the pavement where he lost control of the pickup truck and flipped it over to one side (driver’s side).

Click for Map of Rose Hills
A tactical approach was made with less lethal weapons and a sheriff's K-9, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The name of the suspect has not been released.  Sad situation. I am very glad that the person involved in this matter is  alive tonight.  The LA Sheriff's Department did a tremendous job in this case.  I pray for this person and hope he can find happiness and peace in his life.