GARDENA, CA (KCAL/KCBS/KCAL/KCBS/CNN) - Firefighters ran for cover after hearing gunshots ring out in Gardena, CA.
It was a dangerous turn from what started like a routine call for a house fire.
Authorities say 28-year-old Jose Ramirez called 9-1-1 to report the fire. At some point, the suspect began arguing outside with his mother.
Police say he went back inside to get his belongings and that's when things turned deadly.
"He came back out armed with a firearm and shot his mother multiple times in the head," said officer Peter Whittingham with Los Angeles police.
Police say 50-year-old Clemintina Ramirez died on scene. Her daughter's cries echoed in this neighborhood as firefighters rushed to the victim's side but it was too late.
Authorities say the suspect then went back inside and shot himself, but for more than an hour-police stood ready with guns pointed through a fire truck to make sure the danger was over.
Several neighbors were stunned by the violence on their block
"I heard four or five pops like pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. I looked out the front window and there were fire engines and police cars," said Jeffery Yue, who witnessed the incident.
Ramirez was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
While saddened by the victim's death, authorities are thankful it wasn't much worse.
"He could have easily turned the weapon on the firefighters. I’m just happy that that didn't happen," Whittingham said.
There were no firefighters or police officers injured in the incident.
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