Full Notification

Teen Shoots, Kills Teen

Los Angeles. Two detectives arrested a 16-year-old boy under the 3rd Street Tunnel just moments after the teen had shot a rival gang member yesterday afternoon, October 18, 2011. The victim was also 16 years old, and was shot multiple times in the torso. He died later at the Los Angeles County USC Medical Center after undergoing emergency surgery.

Both boys had attended a continuation high school class, held in a room of the senior center at the Angels Plaza, just above the 3rd Street tunnel. “According to witnesses, both the boys were members of rival gangs and a dispute developed during the school day,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “They took their fight off campus and squared off in the tunnel.”

Two detectives heard several gun shots around 3 PM as they drove past the intersection of Hill Street and the entrance to the 3rd Street tunnel. They detained the 16 year old as he walked away from the downed rival. The detectives removed a revolver from the teen’s waistband.

Paramedics rushed the wounded teen to the hospital where he died about two hours later.

The teen suspect was booked for murder and detained at Eastlake Juvenile Hall.

“Both these kids lived in South Los Angeles and were affiliated with rival Hispanic gangs,” explained Lt. Vernon. “Their connection to downtown was in attending classes as part of what LAUSD calls Central High School, which holds classes across the city for at-risk youths.”

Anyone with additional information on this crime is urged to call Detective Thayer Lake, Central Homicide Unit, at (213) 972-1254. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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