Security guard who killed burglary suspect at Chula Vista mall is retired police officer
The security guard who fatally shot a burglary suspect at a Chula Vista mall early Monday morning is a 58-year-old retired police officer working for a Culver City-based security firm, police said.
Security guard Jose Jimenez confronted two suspects about 6:40 a.m. who had just broken the window at the closed Otay Ranch Town Center, intent on a "smash and grab" burglary at the Apple store, police said.
One suspect fired at Jimenez, who returned fire, police said. A gun battle continued outside the store as the two suspects, and a woman waiting for them in a car outside the store, sought to flee in a silver, two-door Acura.
The car smashed into a light post in the mall parking lot. The driver, who had been shot in the head, was later pronounced dead at the scene by the county medical examiner.
The two other suspects fled on foot and were arrested after a search by the Chula Vista police, Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol and a Sheriff's Department helicopter.
The two were identified as Melissa Ortiz, 21, and John Chendra, 24. They were arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary and conspiracy.
The dead man was not identified. The security guard was uninjured.
RELATED:
One suspect dead, two in custody after shootout with security guard in Chula Vista
-- Tony Perry in San Diego
EDITOR'S PICKS:
The security gaurd should get a medal. Good for him.
Posted by: Heat Pump Reviews | April 04, 2011 at 08:23 PM
Good story with a happy ending. I'm glad the security guard is okay.
Posted by: dave | April 04, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Jimenez exhibited incredible bravery and did an excellent job. I hope he is amply rewarded.
Posted by: Get Planted | April 04, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Add felony death to the charges. Not too bright.
Posted by: Stephen J. Smith | April 04, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Good job Mr Jimenez,you retired from law enforcement and still got what it takes.
Posted by: Compacuy | April 04, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Well done, Jose Jimenez.
Posted by: mikeohara | April 04, 2011 at 09:32 PM
A Hero.
Posted by: LostAnglrs | April 04, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Good job!
Posted by: zookeeper91326 | April 04, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Thank good the security officer was not hurt by these animals. I'm also thankful that the security officer managed to take a SCUM BAG out of his misery. Too bad the others escaped.
Posted by: iHateDirtBags | April 05, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Good shooting, Security guard Jose Jimenez.
You survived, no civilian casualties, one bad guy down, vehicle stopped, two arrests.
You want an iPhone? How about a MacBook? Go ahead - no charge.
Posted by: Olden Atwoody | April 05, 2011 at 12:51 AM
Ipad's are not worth your life.
Posted by: ljl | April 05, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Great job! If more of these scum bags were taken out like this, we'd have less crime on the streets and of course less of these dogs in prison.
Posted by: Pat | April 05, 2011 at 07:58 AM
Is it worth getting killed and arrested for trying to steal an apple lap top, an IPad, or an IPhone? Obviously, the suspects were not intelligent burglars, bunch of amateurs!
Posted by: Commentator | April 05, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Center mass my boy!
Posted by: Montana Gold- | April 05, 2011 at 08:12 PM
this retired cop sure has done a lot of good for the security guard industry. he definitely deserves a raise.
Posted by: mike Hughes | April 05, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Well done. I am glad to see only positive comments for the Security Guard.
Posted by: Local | April 28, 2011 at 09:08 AM