Police said the suspects were lying in wait for the owner of the check-cashing business. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles Police Department investigators are searching for a male suspect who fled after robbing a check-cashing business on Dec. 6 at the corner of Hauser and Venice boulevards.

A second suspect was shot and killed by a security guard in an exchange of gunfire during the robbery. The guard was also struck by a gunshot and injured, police said. The incident is being investigated by the LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide Unit, and authorities are devoting significant resources to finding the second suspect, police said.

“The [detectives] are working really hard on this one trying to identify that second person,” Detective Sam Marullo said. “It’s all hands on deck.”

The robbery occurred around 10 a.m. outside Mary’s Check Cashing in the parking lot of a strip mall at the northeast corner of the intersection. Marullo said two suspects in a gold Lexus were lying in wait and confronted the owner and security guard at gunpoint when they arrived at the business. A struggle over money occurred and one of the suspects and the security guard exchanged gunfire, Marullo said. The name of the suspect who died was not released because he was a 17-year-old juvenile. The other suspect was around the same age, Marullo said, but no further description was available.

Police searched the area for the suspect and the Lexus. Marullo said a “significant” amount of money was stolen, but declined to specify the amount.

The handgun allegedly used by the suspect was recovered at the scene. The 73-year-old security guard was hospitalized in stable condition and is recovering. Marullo said the business has been targeted for a robbery at least once previously, but had no further information about the earlier incident.

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call West Bureau Homicide Unit detectives at (213)382-9470. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD247.