Gang Related Drive-By Shooting Investigation

Pacoima: On Thursday, January 31, 2002, at 7:50 p.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of "Shots Fired" at the 14000 block of Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima. Responding units discovered a male lying on the sidewalk. The victim, identified as Robert Tapia, a 39-year-old resident of North Hollywood, was shot multiple times in the upper torso. LAFD Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim is a documented gang member.
The officers’ investigation revealed the victim was walking on the sidewalk when approached by unknown suspects who shot the victim to death. The motive for the murder is possibly gang related. The suspects and weapon are outstanding.
The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking assistance from the community, asking witnesses call 818-834-3115 or 818-834-3102, during daytime hours. Evening phone number 818-756-8861.
Foothill Area Detectives, under the direction of Captain Kris Pitcher, Commanding Officer Foothill Operations Support Division, are handling the investigation.
Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Homicide Detectives Freund, Lenane, or Martinez at 818-834-3115 or 818-834-3102 during daytime hours. Weekends and during off-hours call the 24 hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at (1-877-529-3855).
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer, Nadine Hernandez, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.