Los Angeles, California – A security officer guarding a private student housing complex near the University of California (USC) was shot and killed Wednesday by a trespasser he was escorting off the property.
The victim has been identified as Jave Garanganao, 41, and was employed by Secure Net Alliance, reports CBS2. The suspected shooter has been identified as Alexader Crawford, 31, reports KTLA.
The fatal shooting happened at 12:47 a.m. at the Lorenzo complex, which is about half a mile from USC’s main campus, reports the Daily Breeze. Authorities believe Crawford was a trespasser who was confronted by Garanganao. The security officer was escorting Crawford out of the USC student apartment building lobby, and once they were off the property, the suspect shot Garanganao, reports KTLA.
As many as a dozen shell casings were found on the sidewalk after the shooting, reports ABC7.
Investigators were able to identify the suspect by reviewing surveillance video. Crawford was found asleep by police in a nearby parking structure a few hours after the shooting. The handgun found in Crawford’s possession was the same caliber as the firearm used during the attack of the security officer, reports the Daily Breeze.
“Mr. Garanganao was just trying to do his job when he was tragically killed,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón in a statement. “My heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends who have endured such a tremendous loss during the holiday season.”
The suspect has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. His bail has been set at $2 million. Secure Net Alliance has set up a fundraiser to pay for Garanganao’s funeral and to help his 13-year-old daughter. For more information, call (818) 848-4900. A Go Fund Me account has also been set up for the victim and his family.
