Juvenile Murder Suspect Escapes

 
Los Angeles: On December 23, 2002, at 11:05 a.m., Daniel Ortiz, a 15 year-old, male Hispanic, was in custody for Murder and being housed at Eastlake Juvenile Hall. He was transported to a dental office in the City of Huntington Park when he fled the company of the two unarmed Los Angles County Probation Department officers who were responsible for his transportation. Ortiz, who was shackled at the ankles, fled the office and jumped into an awaiting vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was armed with a handgun. No shots were fired during the incident.
The suspect’s vehicle was described as a late model Buick Regal or Chevrolet Monte Carlo, black over primer grey. The accomplice was described as a male Hispanic, thin build, approximately 18 years of age.
Ortiz was the suspect in a murder that occurred on August 19, 2002, at 49th Street and Compton Avenue. Ortiz is a local street gang member and was awaiting trial for this gang-related murder. Ortiz has ties to the South Central Los Angeles.
A photograph of Ortiz is available through the Newton Area Watch Commander, or Media Relations Section.
Anyone with information should contact Newton Area Homicide Unit at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours, contact 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.