Detectives Searching for Identity of Good Samaritan NR14050PV

Panorama City:  Detectives have released video from the Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City which depicts a Good Samaritan carrying the limp body of a 19-year-old man into the emergency room.  The patient, Ricardo Saija of North Hollywood, was later pronounced dead by doctors.  His death remains undetermined, pending the coroner’s findings.

“The Good Samaritan is not a suspect,” said Det. Gretchen Schultz, who works at LAPD’s Mission Police Station.  “We know the helpful friend was distraught over Ricardo’s situation, but he left the hospital without identifying himself.”

Detectives found evidence that tended to show Ricardo was heavily involved in drugs and that his death was probably related to an overdose.  “The autopsy will tell us more, but in the meantime, we’d like to know what Ricardo was up to prior to his collapse, and his friend might be able to tell us that.”

Ricardo’s family recognized the friend but did not know his name.

The incident occurred January 31, 2014, about 1:50 AM.  The person wanted for questioning appears to be Hispanic with a medium build and short hair.  He arrived in a four-door, American-made car with several other occupants.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Gretchen Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9951.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.