Gang Member Shoots Children at Play in Boyle Heights

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck homicide detectives are looking for a known gang member who shot and critically injured two small children who were playing outside Saturday night.

On July 15, 2006, at approximately 9:35 p.m., the suspect, Mauricio Alejandro Jimenez, 26, was standing outside an apartment building in the 400 block of North Saint Louis Street in Boyle Heights. Jimenez, who had been drinking, suddenly pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired.

In a nearby driveway, 3-year-old Jeremy Hernandez and his 6-year-old brother, James, were struck by the gunfire. Jeremy was hit in the wrist and James was shot in the stomach. A third child, the boys’ cousin, was unharmed. It is not known whether Jimenez intentionally targeted the children. The suspect then ran from the scene.

The boys’ grandfather rushed them to White Memorial Medical Center, where both received emergency treatment for gunshot wounds. Jeremy is listed in stable but guarded condition; James’ condition remains critical.

Mauricio Jimenez, a male Hispanic, is a member of the Tiny Boys gang and goes by the moniker "Spyder". He is still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detective Ruiz or Preciado, at 323-266-5949, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).

Any person with information who wishes to remain anonymous is encouraged to call.