Three jailed in home-invasion, attempted murder of police officer

MONTEREY PARK -- Police released the names Friday of three men suspected of robbing a man at gunpoint in his own home and firing on police.
Carlos Claros, 19, of Los Angeles, Johnathan Rodriguez, 19, of Los Angeles, and Abel Sanchez, 23, a transient, were booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer, robbery, burglary, conspiracy and false imprisonment, Monterey Park police Detective Gabriel Escarsega said.
The suspects allegedly thought no one was home and pulled guns on the homeowner when he surprised them, the detective said.
"It was a burglary that turned into a home-invasion," he said.
The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at a home in the 1100 block of South Lincoln Avenue, Monterey Park police Sgt. Paul Yniguez said.
Claros, Rodriguez and Sanchez allegedly held the man, estimated to be in his 30s, at gunpoint before police arrived, officials said.
A neighbor called police to report suspicious men walking into a neighboring backyard, Escarsega said, and police showed up just as the suspects were fleeing.
One of the men reportedly fired a single gunshot at a pursuing officer, Yniguez said. The officer was not injured and did not return fire.
Police then chased down and captured the three fleeing men, he said.
Though officials initially reported three handguns were recovered in the area, Escarsega said Friday that two guns were found.
According to court records, Claros, Rodriguez and Sanchez are being held in lieu of $1 million bail each and are due in Alhambra Superior Court Monday for arraignment.