Shooting Strikes Two Victims Killing One NR20260ti

Pacoima: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Operations-Valley Bureau Homicide are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved in a fatal shooting.

On October 14, 2020, around 2:40 a.m., Foothill Area Patrol officers responded to a radio call of “shots fired” near Ralston Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard.

Upon arrival units were directed to the Victim-Cruz who was lying on the sidewalk near the 13100 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Officers then discovered that a second shooting Victim-Mendez had been transported by citizens to a local hospital.

Operations-Valley Bureau Homicide responded and assumed investigative responsibility. Their investigation revealed that the two victims were walking west on Van Nuys Boulevard when they were approached by a male Hispanic. The male asked them where they were from. He then pointed a handgun at the two victims, and fired twice, striking both victims. The Suspect fled in a dark vehicle.

The victim of the homicide was identified as 31-year-old, Andres Cruz, 31-years-old. Second shooting Victim-Mendez was treated and released from the hospital.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Sharon Kim, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at 818-374-1978. 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org,and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.