News Summary
A suspect involved in a violent carjacking and murder incident in Laguna Hills was fatally shot by police during a shootout. The incident unfolded after the suspect stole a vehicle following a shooting, leading to a police pursuit that ended at an In-N-Out Burger, where the encounter escalated into gunfire. Fortunately, no officers were injured, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the hospital after being shot. The investigation continues as authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
Laguna Hills – A murder suspect from Rancho Santa Margarita was shot and killed by police officers during a shootout outside of an In-N-Out Burger early Saturday morning, following a violent carjacking incident. The police engagement unfolded after the suspect had fatally shot a woman earlier in the night and subsequently stole her vehicle.
The sequence of events started at 9:53 p.m. on Friday, September 20, when officers from the Carlsbad Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 2300 block of Rising Glen Way. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Andre Anthony Matijasevic. Following the shooting, he fled the scene in the victim’s car, initiating a series of police notifications about the stolen vehicle. At 12:18 a.m., the Laguna Beach Police Department received an alert from a license plate reader indicating Matijasevic’s vehicle was entering their jurisdiction. Newport Beach Police spotted the vehicle at 12:55 a.m. near Newport Coast and Pacific Coast Highway. When officers attempted to make a stop, Matijasevic sped away, leading police on a chase that transitioned onto the southbound Interstate 5 Freeway.
During the pursuit, Matijasevic exited the freeway at El Toro Road, where he initially halted in traffic. He exited the vehicle and began firing at the approaching police vehicles, prompting multiple officers to return fire. The chase continued until they reached the In-N-Out Burger located at 24001 Avenida De La Carlota, where Matijasevic resumed his gunfire. His actions resulted in several police vehicles being struck by bullets; fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the encounter.
The confrontation escalated dramatically as Matijasevic collapsed in the restaurant’s parking lot after being shot by police. Even after falling to the ground, he continued to fire at the officers. He was subsequently transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where he was pronounced dead. A semi-automatic handgun was discovered near Matijasevic at the scene of the shooting.
Witnesses described the chaos happening at the In-N-Out Burger, with customers ducking under tables in an effort to protect themselves from the gunfire. As the investigation unfolds, no connection has yet been established between Matijasevic and the deceased woman.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is currently conducting an investigation into the attempted murder of police officers involved in the shooting incident, while the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information or evidence regarding the situation to contact either the Orange County Sheriff’s Department or Crime Stoppers.
This incident adds to a troubling trend related to violent crime in the area, highlighting the dangers posed by individuals such as Matijasevic who are involved in acts of violence and the police risks associated with pursuing suspects on the run. Community members are left shaken by the events of the night, serving as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can unfold in otherwise ordinary circumstances. The investigation continues, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Patch: RSM Man Killed in Shootout
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- OC Register: Suspect Killed in Shootout
- Google Search: Shootout in Laguna Hills
- CBS News: Police Kill Murder Suspect
- Google Scholar: Violence in California
- LA Times: Police Fatally Wound Suspect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- 10 News: Carlsbad Homicide Leads to Pursuit
- Google News: Officer Involved Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
