LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (KABC) — Police shot and killed a homicide suspect early Saturday during a shootout that erupted after a high-speed chase ended outside an In-N-Out Burger in Laguna Hills, authorities said.
The suspect was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in Carlsbad, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a report of gunfire in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 2300 block of Rising Glen Way, the Carlsbad Police Department said in a statement.
The arriving officers found a woman suffering from gunshot wounds who was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The woman’s vehicle was taken during the shooting, police said.
Using license plate reader technology, Newport Beach police spotted the vehicle and a pursuit ensued, making its way onto the 5 Freeway, according to Carlsbad police.
“The suspect exited his vehicle near El Toro Road and (Avenida) Carlota and fired a gun at officers,” the sheriff’s department said. “Officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and an officer from the Irvine Police returned fire. The suspect was struck. No officers were injured.”
The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department identified the suspect as Andre Anthony Matijasevic, 31, of Rancho Santa Margarita.
“Maybe they got him with the spike strip right there, but he tried to turn left,” witness Evan Mackey said. “So, he just hopped out, opened the door and started shooting at the cops.”
Added witness Osvaldo Morales: “I feel like everyone started panicking, just getting on the ground, trying to, you know, stay safe. Trying not to get hit.”
The name of the homicide victim was not immediately released.
