MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – Detectives assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Southern Division Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the United States Border Patrol, CHP Mexico Liaison Unit, U.S. Marshals Task Force, and Mexican Authorities, arrested 23-year-old Lorraine Covarrubias and 25-year-old Robert Sarabia, both U.S. citizens from Los Angeles, for their involvement in a freeway shooting that occurred within the CHP’s East Los Angeles area.
On Dec. 19, 2023, at approximately 4:54 a.m., CHP dispatch received a call of a "shots fired" incident that was reported to have occurred on eastbound Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway), east of Soto Street. CHP personnel and Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene and located a white Honda accord along the right shoulder. Emergency personnel discovered two male adult victims located within the Honda accord, both had sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to a local area hospital for medical treatment.
Detectives assigned to the CHP’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. The subsequent investigation identified Covarrubias and Sarabia as suspects in the shooting and warrants were obtained for their arrest. Through further investigation, information was obtained indicating the two suspects fled the country on Dec. 23, 2023.
In collaboration with multiple allied agencies, the suspects were arrested in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, on Feb. 21, 2024. The suspects were extradited back to the United States via the San Ysidro Port of Entry. CHP personnel took possession of the suspects and transported them back to East Los Angeles, where they were booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s East LA station. Covarrubias faces charges of attempted murder and Sarabia faces charges of accessory after the fact and an unrelated no-bail warrant.
Any additional information regarding this press release should be requested from Public Information Officer Lizarraga, who will be available at the CHP East Los Angeles Area business phone number of (323) 980-4600, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. After hours, or if urgent, please contact the CHP TrafficManagement Center at (323) 259-3200.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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