Fernando Geovanni LLanez, 22

Chula Vista, California
June 14, 2016

Agencies: Chula Vista Police Department

Cause of death: Shooting

Follow This Case

---

Last updated: over 5 years ago

Overview

A meeting between Homeland Security investigators and suspected high level drug dealers in Chula Vista's Eastlake neighborhood unraveled Tuesday into a violent struggle and shooting, police said, leaving one suspect dead and police searching for up to several more.

The officer-involved shooting happened at approximately 2:10 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of a closed Albertson's grocery store off Proctor Valley Road and McKenzie Creek Road, Chula Vista Police (CVPD) Captain Lon Turner said. The location is east of State Route 125.

During the officer-involved shooting, one agent involved was injured, Turner said. Four people have been arrested so far, including one who was found hiding inside the trunk of his car. 

Capt. Turner said the incident began during a pre-planned drug task force enforcement operation Tuesday when the multi-agency drug task force, lead by the Department of Homeland Security, called Operation Alliance to set up a meeting with high level suspected drug dealers. It was scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in front of the now-closed Albertson's grocery store.

The agent engaged four suspects in two separate cars in front of the store. 

Three to six suspects initiated a violent struggle with a local plainclothes officer, described as a senior agent. Investigators say the officer is a member of the combined federal and local task force working the area. Homeland Security investigators were leading the investigation. 

Legal Action

June 2017 Department of Homeland Security Sued