Graffiti Suspect Shoots Two Security Guards in 77th Street Division

"Graffiti Suspect Shoot Two Security Guards in 77th Street Division"
 
Los Angeles: On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at 9:10 p.m., 77th Street uniformed officers responded to a "Shooting Just Occurred" call at 960 West 62nd Street. Officers arrived and observed two brothers, 18 year-old Luis Gamez, and 21 year-old Oscar Gamez, both injured by gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed the brothers were working as uniformed, unarmed security guards when they observed a suspect spraying graffiti across from the location where the shooting took place. The brothers confronted the suspect who armed himself with a rifle and shot both victims. A witness who saw the shooting as it occurred, wrestled the suspect to the ground and disarmed him. The suspect, however, freed himself from the witness and ran from the scene. The officers recovered the rifle at the scene.
The suspect is described as a male Black, approximately sixteen years of age. The suspect is known to frequent the area.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital. Victim Luis Gamez later died at the hospital as the result of his injuries. Victim Oscar Gamez is listed in stable condition.
Homicide detectives from 77th Street Division responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact Detective Rudy Lemos at 213-485-1385 or during off-hours, 1-877-LAWFULL.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.