26-year-old shot and killed in front of Food 4 Less in Indio, suspect in custody
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - A 26-year-old man was shot and killed outside the Food 4 Less store in Indio Saturday evening.
Indio Police said the shooting was first reported at around 5:40 p.m. First responders arrived and found a man with a gunshot wound. They provided medical aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Indio Police Department, detectives learned during the investigation that an altercation had occurred inside the store between the victim and the suspect. The altercation escalated into verbal exchanges, followed by a physical altercation outside the store. During the physical altercation, the suspect drew a firearm, prompting the victim to flee immediately.
While fleeing, the suspect shot the victim. The victim immediately collapsed to the ground and was pronounced dead shortly after, police said.
Witnesses told police that the suspect was running southeast from the location. Officers detained the suspect, identified as a 19-year-old man, in the shopping center.
The suspect was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for murder. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday and remains in custody at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on $1 million bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.