4 Shot, 1 Dead In Early Morning Gang Shooting
Los Angeles. Los Angeles police are asking the public’s help in identifying gang members responsible for an after-hours shooting outside the Mayan nightclub in downtown Los Angeles, where one man died and at least three other people were shot near the intersection of Hill Street and Olympic Boulevard on January 28, 2012.
The call to police came about 2:45 AM by witnesses who reported a group of men arguing outside the nightclub just before the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing both sides calling out gang names. One man retrieved a gun from a parked car in a nearby parking lot and started shooting the apparent rivals.
“There were dozens of people around when this happened and we’re sure someone knows who the shooter is,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “But, typically, few people come forward when gangs are involved, but stepping up is the best way to reduce gang activity.”
Initially, one man was shot in the head and died later at a local hospital. A second man was shot in the leg and is expected to survive. Two more gunshot victims arrived at the hospital, claiming to be victims with minor gunshot wounds. These two victims appear to be companions of the other two victims. All the victims were uncooperative with police.
Detectives recovered several bullet casings from the street and are canvassing the area for video footage. “In the age of video phones, we hope someone might come forward with video of the shooting, or a description of the car the suspect left in,” Lt. Vernon added.
The man with the gun was described as Hispanic, 5’7” tall, 180 pounds, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. He used a small caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Al Marengo, Central Homicide Unit, at (213) 972-1249. 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.
# # # # #
