A shooting inside a Pomona apartment building on June 18 led to a large-scale police response and a prolonged California Highway Patrol pursuit that moved across multiple Southern California freeways and roadways. Authorities say two people were found dead at the scene, and the suspect was later taken into custody after a coordinated stop on the freeway.
Incident
Police were dispatched at about 3:20 p.m. to the 100 block of East Monterey Avenue following reports of gunfire at the Monterey Station Apartments. Officers arriving at the location found a man and a woman with gunshot wounds in a fourth-floor hallway.
Personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department attempted emergency life-saving measures, but both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators confirmed the incident as a double homicide and secured the area for further examination.
Victims
Family members identified the victims as Veronica Lopez, 24, and Richard Brady, 48. Their names were not officially released by police at the time of initial reporting.
Lopez was described by relatives as a former professional skateboarder who remained closely connected to the sport and community. She was also known to be a San Francisco 49ers fan. According to her family, she had been in a relationship with the suspect for approximately two years.
Brady was described by his family as a father of two who was known for helping others in his community. Relatives said he may have been present during the incident and possibly attempted to intervene, although investigators have not confirmed those details.
Both families have spoken publicly through statements and tributes, describing shock at the sudden loss and highlighting the personal impact on their lives.
Suspect
Authorities identified the suspect as Robert Galtman, 48, a resident of the same apartment complex. Investigators have indicated the case is being reviewed in the context of a domestic relationship involving the suspect and one of the victims.
At this stage, officials have not released a confirmed motive. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish a clearer timeline of events leading up to the shooting.
Chase
At around 5:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers located Galtman driving a black Kia sedan on the northbound 5 Freeway in Sylmar. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver did not comply, leading to a pursuit.
The chase continued for roughly 90 minutes, moving through freeway systems and surrounding road networks toward the Lancaster area. During the pursuit, law enforcement reported that objects were thrown from the vehicle, and spike strips were deployed in an attempt to slow or stop the car.
Officers later used a PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop after one of the tires was disabled. The driver surrendered shortly afterward and was taken into custody. A dog that was inside the vehicle was also recovered safely.
Investigation
The case remains under active investigation by the Pomona Police Department. Detectives are continuing to review evidence, witness accounts, and digital records to determine the sequence of events and the motive behind the shooting.
Galtman is being held on $3.1 million bail and is scheduled for arraignment. Authorities have also requested that anyone with additional information contact the Pomona Police Department’s Detective Bureau.
A simplified timeline of key developments is outlined below:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:20 p.m. | Police respond to reports of gunfire in Pomona |
| Shortly after | Two victims found dead inside apartment building |
| 5:00 p.m. | Suspect located on I-5 Freeway in Sylmar |
| 5:00-7:00 p.m. | CHP pursuit across Southern California |
| ~7:10 p.m. | Vehicle stopped using PIT maneuver |
| ~7:30 p.m. | Suspect taken into custody |
The incident has also prompted renewed discussion in the community about domestic violence risks and the importance of support systems for individuals in potentially unsafe relationships. Officials have not released further conclusions as the investigation continues.
Outlook
Court proceedings are expected to provide additional details as the case moves forward. For now, investigators continue to piece together events leading up to the shooting and the subsequent pursuit that ended with the suspect’s arrest.
FAQs
What happened in Pomona on June 18?
Police responded to a shooting at an apartment building where two people were found dead.
Who were the victims identified as?
Family members identified them as Veronica Lopez and Richard Brady.
Who was taken into custody?
Authorities arrested Robert Galtman following a freeway pursuit.
How long did the CHP pursuit last?
The pursuit lasted approximately 90 minutes across Southern California.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, police are continuing to investigate the motive and circumstances.
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