Alleged murder suspect arrested in Sylmar following hours-long search

SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect who allegedly fatally shot a 26-year-old man in Sylmar Thursday night has been arrested following an hours-long search, police said.

The victim was found dead inside his vehicle at about 11 p.m. in a commercial area near Arroyo Street and Montero Avenue, just north of the 210 Freeway.

Responding officers saw two separate suspects attempting to leave the location in their vehicles. One of the two suspects was detained and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Police chased the second suspect, who was seen driving away, about two-and-a-half miles to the area of Polk Street and Foothill Boulevard. The suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department set up a large perimeter in the area and brought in a helicopter and several K-9s to assist them in their search.

The Polk Avenue off-ramp and on-ramp to the westbound 210 Freeway were temporarily closed, motorists were asked to avoid the area and nearby residents were advised to shelter in place as the search continued Friday morning.

The suspect described by police as armed and dangerous was taken into custody a short time later and arrested for murder, police said.

The motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Detectives were working to determine if the shooting was gang-related and coroner's officials were gathering evidence at the scene.

Anyone with further information was urged to contact the LAPD Detective Gene Parshall at (818) 838-9954.