A 25-year-old man was identified as the alleged killer of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, and authorities said he had threatened to “execute” any police Officer who stopped him.
Armando Garcia, who goes by the names Daniel Garcia and “Chato,” was being sought for investigation of shooting Deputy David March during a traffic stop Monday in Irwindale, 25 miles east of Los Angeles.
The Sheriff’s Department described Garcia as 5' 7" to 5' 9" inches tall and 195-230 pounds with short black hair combed straight back, dark complexion, a mustache and a tattoo on his back or shoulder that says “Garcia.”
Authorities on Wednesday afternoon found the 1989 black, four-door Nissan Maxima that Garcia was driving when he allegedly killed March. The car was found near Baldwin Park and homicide detectives and bloodhounds were scouring the car for potential evidence, said sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Mileham. March, 33, stopped the car at midmorning. The driver got out, met the deputy near the back of the car and shot him several times before fleeing, Deputy Steve Jauch said. The reason March stopped the car may never be known, Myers said.
Investigators fear that Garcia has returned to Mexico and Mexican authorities are cooperating in the search for him, Baca said. The FBI and Immigration and Naturalization Service also are involved in the search.
Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.