An Exchange of Gunfire Leaves One Injured and One Dead in Rampart NR10523cj

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Rampart Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information about a pair of shootings that left one man dead in the Rampart area.

On November 7, 2010, approximately 1:50 a.m., an LAPD Rampart Area patrol unit received a radio call of a shooting in the 400 block of North Westlake Avenue.  Upon arrival the officers discovered a man who had suffered a gunshot wound.  The man stated that he was standing on the sidewalk when a car drove by, he heard several gunshots and then felt pain in his leg.  Los Angeles City Fire Department rescue personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was admitted and treated.

At around 1:53 a.m., another Rampart patrol unit received a radio call of a shooting, at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Park Avenue.  Upon arrival officers observed an abandoned tan colored Mercury van at the southeast corner of the intersection.

At around 1:59 a.m., a third Rampart patrol unit received a radio call of a shooting victim at the medical facility in the 1700 block of West Temple Street.  Once officers arrived at the scene they discovered that a male gunshot victim had been taken to the facility by two unidentified citizens. Los Angeles City Fire department rescue personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead.
 
The detective’s investigation revealed that the driver of the Mercury van had been driving on the 400 block of Westlake Avenue when he was involved in an exchange of gunfire with the victim standing on the sidewalk.  The victim who was driving the van, apparently was also wounded during the exchange.  The driver victim drove away from the scene and eventually collided with a black midsize vehicle on Burlington Ave and Temple Street.  The van continued eastbound on Temple Avenue, to northbound Glendale Boulevard where it stopped at Park Ave. The driver then abandoned the van, left the location, and was found nearby by two unidentified citizens who drove him to the medical facility.  Detectives’ believe that this incident may be gang related.

Anyone who has any information about this case is urged to call LAPD Rampart Homicide Detective Cortina or Pere at 213-484-3634.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.