41-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help in identifying the suspects responsible for the shooting death of 41-year-old Melvin Antonio Almendares.

On January 18, 2009 at about 3:50 a.m., Rampart patrol officers responded to an “assault with a deadly weapon shooting” radio call in the 1300 block of South Bonnie Brae Street. When officers arrived, they found Almendares, a Los Angeles resident, down on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.  

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a white vehicle, possibly a Toyota Camry, was driving southbound from the scene around the time when the gunshots were fired.  

The motive for this shooting is under investigation.  

Anyone with information about this shooting, including the identity and possible involvement of the white vehicle, is asked to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives John Motto or Michael Arteaga or at 213-484-3650.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website  www.lapdonline.org.  All tips are anonymous.