News Summary
A dramatic police chase in Laguna Hills ended in a shootout after a suspect linked to a homicide was tracked down. The suspect, Andre Matijasevic, was shot dead after firing at police following a high-speed pursuit. Authorities responded swiftly, and fortunately, no officers or civilians were injured. The investigation is ongoing as police dig deeper into the homicide case that initiated this violent encounter.
Laguna Hills Sees Dramatic Police Shootout Following Homicide Suspect Chase
Early Saturday morning in Laguna Hills, an intense scene unfolded involving a suspect linked to a homicide case. The suspect, identified as Andre Anthony Matijasevic, a 31-year-old resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, was shot dead by police after a high-speed chase that ended in a gunfire exchange.
Chain of Events
The alarming chain of events initiated around 9:53 p.m. Friday night. It all began when officials in Carlsbad received reports of gunfire at an apartment building located on Rising Glen Way. Upon arrival, officers found a woman who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, tragically pronounced dead right at the scene.
As the investigation advanced, it was discovered that the woman’s vehicle had been stolen during the violent incident. Officials from Newport Beach took swift action, employing license plate reader technology to track down the stolen vehicle, which led to a police pursuit.
A Chase Through the Streets
During the pursuit, Matijasevic exited the busy Interstate 5 at El Toro Road. He abruptly stopped near the intersection of El Toro Road and Avenida Carlota, leaped from his vehicle, and opened fire on pursuing officers. This unexpected turn of events triggered a response from the police, which led to an immediate exchange of gunfire.
As bullets flew, it was confirmed that Matijasevic was hit during the shootout. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Thankfully, no officers or civilians sustained injuries during this harrowing incident.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported the harrowing sight of Matijasevic jumping out of the vehicle and brandishing a firearm at police officers. The tension escalated further when patrons at a nearby In-N-Out Burger restaurant were seen ducking for cover, showcasing just how frantic the situation had become.
A semi-automatic handgun was discovered lying near Matijasevic after the altercation, revealing a gripping detail of a crime that spiraled quickly out of control. The SUV he had been driving came to a halt directly in front of the In-N-Out, effectively marking the scene of the violent confrontation.
Current Investigation
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is currently working diligently to piece together the details of the shootout, including how many shots were fired and by whom during the event. As investigations progress, authorities continue to work on identifying the murder victim, whose name has yet to be publicly released.
The law enforcement community remains vigilant, with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office overseeing the shootout investigation to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
Road Closures and Public Safety
In the aftermath of this dramatic scene, residents were advised of full road closures along El Toro Road from Avenida Carlota to Paseo de Valencia. Authorities worked quickly to secure the area while conducting their ongoing investigation into the events of the night.
As this story develops, many are left to reflect on the escalating violence that led to this urgent confrontation between police and the suspect. Be sure to stay tuned for updates as more information comes to light, especially regarding the homicide case in Carlsbad that sparked this intense series of events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shocking Violence in Pasadena: Two Arrested for Armed Robbery and Attempted Murder
Cesar Hernandez Accused of Murder Following Daring Escape
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Laguna Hills police shootout
- NBC Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Shootout
- CBS News
- Google News: Carlsbad homicide case
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
