Two brothers were in a loud argument in a pickup truck stopped at a Lakewood intersection on Thanksgiving afternoon when gunfire erupted — with one dying and the other running away before quickly getting caught, authorities said.
A 50-year-old man died, while his 48-year-old brother, Antonio Ruiz Jr. of Lawndale, was arrested on suspicion of murder, sheriff’s Lt. Michael Modica said on Friday, Nov. 28.
Deputies had responded around 2:40 p.m. to Lakewood Boulevard and South Street, south of the 91 Freeway.
The driver, with the gunshot wound, was found near a vehicle and taken to a hospital, where he died. His identity was not released by authorities pending notification of his relatives.
“The suspect exited the car from the turn lane and deputies were quick to respond,” Modica said. “He got maybe a block and a half (away).”
Deputies had to use force to take him into custody, though it was unclear what less-lethal munitions were used.
“Investigators learned both the suspect and victim were inside of the vehicle arguing when a shooting occurred,” a sheriff’s statement said.
The truck was stopped and waiting to turn left onto eastbound South from southbound Lakewood when the suspect fired “more than one” shot, Modica said.
“(The argument) could be heard from people … in the adjacent lanes and the gunshots occurred in the car,” Modica said.
The arrested brother was being held on $2 million bail.