Good Samaritan Killed in a dispute at a Hollywood Fast Food Restaurant NR141279jm

August 4, 2014
UPDATE

Suspect Arrested and Charged for the Death of Good Samaritan

 Los Angeles:  On Thursday, July 31, 2014, Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division officers arrested Jeremy Harris in connection with the homicide of Gabriel Ortega, a Good Samaritan who prevented the assault on a small child.  On August 4, 2014, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed Voluntary Manslaughter charges against Jeremy Harris. 

Hollywood:  Los Angeles Police Department West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect responsible for the death of 57-year-old Gabriel Ortega, a Hollywood resident.

On June 18, 2014, around 9:35 p.m., the victim was inside a restaurant located in the 1400 block of Vine Street, when he saw the suspect yelling at a small child in the restaurant.  The suspect clinched his fists and walked toward the child.  Ortega, a Good Samaritan, stood in front of the child to shield him from what appeared to be an imminent attack and told the suspect to leave the child alone.  The suspect punched Ortega and fled the restaurant.

On June 21, 2014, Ortega checked himself into a local hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries on July 14, 2014.

On July 23, 2014, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be a result of blunt force trauma.

The suspect is described as a 30-40-year-old male African-American, no further description.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives Jose Robledo or Fernando Rivas at (213) 382-9470.  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 Crimes Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) on most keypads) with cell a phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”