Man Shot and Killed in Pico-Hoover Area NR14016rh

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Division Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who killed 27-year-old Jesus Eduardo Vargas.  Councilmember Cedillo has approved a $50,000 reward for the information leading to the conviction of the suspects.

On July 1, 2013, around 7:20 p.m., Rampart Patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting in the 2100 block of West Pico Boulevard in the Pico and Hoover area.  The victim, later identified as Jesus Vargas, was chased into a fast food restaurant in the 2100 block of West Pico Boulevard by the suspect.

The surveillance video shows Vargas and the suspect fighting in front of the counter.  The suspect removed a handgun from his front waistband and pointed it at Vargas.  A second suspect entered the fast food restaurant wearing a bandana over his face and shot at Vargas several times.  Both suspects then exited the fast food restaurant and fled on their bicycles southbound on Hoover Street.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported Vargas to a local hospital where he died a short time later from his injuries.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs about 150 pounds and is between 20 and 25 years of age.

The second suspect is described as a male Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and is between 20 and 25 years of age.

There were several customers inside the fast food restaurant at the time of the incident that may be witnesses to the incident, detectives are asking those persons to please contact the police department.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives Martinez or Lee at (213) 484-3639.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”