Man Killed in Police Shooting at El Monte Gas Station

A 26-year-old man was killed in a police shooting at a gas station in El Monte, California, United States, late Thursday night.

The El Monte Police Department reported that officers responded to the Route 66 gas station at Garvey and Durfee Avenue around 10:30 p.m. after receiving multiple calls regarding a domestic violence incident. When police arrived at the scene, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a patrol unit.

During the confrontation, one officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. The man, later identified as Juan Martin Avila Mercado by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities confirmed that an officer was injured during the incident. The officer’s injuries were not life-threatening, and they were transported to a local hospital before being released. Police also stated that the alleged victim of the domestic violence assault was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the encounter with the suspect.

The California Department of Justice Police Shooting Investigation Team was called to the scene to conduct an independent investigation. Officials said their review of the case remains ongoing.

Helicopter footage showed two patrol cars positioned around the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of the gas station. The suspect’s vehicle had visible damage, particularly on the passenger side, though the exact cause of the damage has not been confirmed.

The intersection near Garvey and Durfee Avenue was closed until early Friday morning as investigators examined the scene.

Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2100 or the California Department of Justice.