Frank Al Mendoza, 54

Pico Rivera, California
August 02, 2014

Agencies: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department California LASD

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Authorities were searching Friday for 24-year-old parolee Cedric Ramirez, who was wanted for numerous felonies including ex-felon in possession of a firearm and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, according to department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida.

When deputies found Ramirez in the 9000 block of Reichling Lane Friday afternoon, he fled on foot and allegedly broke into Lorraine and Frank Mendoza's home in the 9000 block of Rosehedge Drive through a window.

A SWAT team surrounded the home. Deputies then went to the front door and evacuated two children and an adult. Ramirez suddenly appeared in a hallway and started shooting at the deputies, officials said.

Deputies returned fire and retreated to the front yard.

"Within seconds of their exit, an adult male suddenly appeared in the front doorway, believing the man was Ramirez, a deputy fired two shots at that man," Det. Chief Bill McSweeney said.

That second man was not Ramirez, but Frank Mendoza, 54, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Frank Mendoza is survived by his wife and eight children.