(June 25, 2002, updated 9:40 p.m., initial post 1:00 p.m.) -- A NLB armored car guard was shot in the head in a brazen midday robbery at a business at 2350 E. 68th St. today.

When LBPD arrived, they found the armored car passenger (known as a messenger officer), 33 year old Victor Hurtado of Paramount, on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head.

Police say the armored car arrived at the business at roughly 11:00 a.m., Hurtado went into the business to complete a pickup and, on returning to the armored car with a bag containing an unknown amount of cash, was approached by an armed suspect.

LBPD says the suspect shot at the driver guard as the driver exited the armored car in an attempt to alert his partner Hurtado. The driver took cover inside the armored car, uninjured, but unable to return fire. Police say the suspect continued toward Hurtado, shot him in the head, grabbed a bag of money from him and fled.

Police describe the suspect as a male Hispanic in his 20's, 165-185 pounds and fled in a small SUV type vehicle, red in color, possibly a 2 door Chevy Blazer.

LBPD responded in force and quickly found a vehicle that they believe may be related near 71st and Lime. The vehicle appears to have been set afire.