Driver flees traffic stop after man with gunshot wound found in trunk in San Marino, police say

SAN MARINO, Calif. (KABC) -- An investigation is underway in San Marino after a man with a gunshot wound was found in the trunk of a sedan during a traffic stop. The search for the driver is ongoing after police say he ran from the scene.

San Marino police conducted a traffic stop on an older-model Ford sedan for a vehicle code violation in the 1900 block of Los Robles Avenue, near Monterey Road, around 2:30 a.m.

As the officer exited the patrol vehicle, the driver of the sedan got out and ran east, away from the scene, according to authorities. He's described as an adult male, approximately 5'6" with a dark complexion, wearing dark clothing.

During a search of the trunk, police said they found an unresponsive adult male with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Paramedics treated him at the scene and transferred him to a local hospital, where he is said to be in critical condition, "with death considered imminent."

Investigators searched the area for the driver who fled the scene, but at last check, he has not been found.

Police said a front passenger, who was detained, was identified as a person of interest in the apparent shooting.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is assisting San Marino police with the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.