Officers Assist Crime Victim’s Family

Los Angeles: On April 30, 2003 at about 8:00p.m., a shooting occurred at the southwest corner of Gage Avenue and Avalon Boulevard that resulted in the death of 33 year old Antonio Garcia. During the subsequent investigation, in South Los Angeles, a female and a male Hispanic were arrested for this senseless crime. Since appearing in court the suspects have been held to answer and are pending further court proceedings.
Mr. Garcia was a hard working husband and the father of three children when his life was cut short. He was employed as a taxi cab driver with Toluca Taxi Company in South Los Angeles. On the day of the crime, Mr. Garcia was dispatched to pick-up, what he thought was a fare. He picked up a male and a female Hispanic whose intentions were not good. The two individuals tried to take his money, and without provocation, the male suspect shot the victim once.
To compound the tragedy, Mr. Garcia was the sole source of support for his wife and three children. This family not only lost a husband and a father, but a way of life. The Los Angeles Police’s Department’s Newton Division and the Advocate Section of Internal Affairs Group have joined together to bring some holiday cheer to them at Christmas time. As a result of donations, the family will be provided with a holiday feast, complete with a Christmas tree and holiday presents for all the children and their mom.
Anyone wishing to offer additional help can contact the family via the Newton Community Relations Office, Sergeant Gil Curtis or Police Service Representative Angela Maciel at 323-846-6504.