Bar Fight Ends in Homicide

Los Angeles:  Two bar patrons engage in a fight, one is killed.  

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, at around 1:50 a.m., Hollywood Area Officers were called to a bar located in the 1150 block of North Western Avenue to investigate an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon," radio call.  When the Officers arrived they found a man lying in the street, suffering from stab wounds.  A second man was found nearby, also suffering from stab wounds.

Homicide Detectives were called to the scene and discovered that the two men had been involved in an argument inside the bar.  The argument spilled out onto the sidewalk, where it quickly escalated to a physical altercation.  During the struggle one man was stabbed by the suspect, who was subsequently stabbed by the victim, resulting in the suspect’s death.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.  His condition was listed as critical but stable.  He is described as a 43-year-old Hispanic man from Los Angeles.

Detectives do not anticipate any arrests in this case.

The deceased suspect’s name is being withheld until his family can be notified.  He is described as a 28-year-old Black man from Los Angeles.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollywood Homicide Detectives Thomas Small or Susan Brandstetter at 213-972-2910.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) 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 may remain anonymous.