Shots Fired Radio Call Ends in Fatality

 
Los Angeles: On Sunday, July 27, 2003, at 2:15 a.m., Central Area Police Officers were responding to a "Shots Fired" radio call in the 200 block of Bloom Street. As they approached the location they observed a black 2000 Mazda 626 sedan. As the officers got closer to the vehicle, the driver 28 year-old Girardo Sierra, a resident of Los Angeles, drove away from the location at a high rate of speed.
The officers attempted to stop the vehicle in order to investigate the reported shooting incident, at which time Sierra continued to drive away at a high rate of speed. The officers advised that they were in pursuit of "shooting" suspects. Within a mile of the start of the pursuit, Sierra lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree. During the short pursuit one of the vehicle’s occupants tossed an object out of the window. Officers later returned to the location and recovered a loaded firearm, which is believed to have come from the fleeing vehicle.
Sierra was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma. An unidentified male passenger was ejected from the vehicle and is listed in critical condition. A second passenger, 21 year-old Robert Garcia, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained a minor head laceration. A third passenger, 25 year-old Jesus Castro, complained of abdominal pain. Both passengers were treated and released at a local hospital.
It is believed that all the occupants from the vehicle are active gang members; however, no charges are pending against the surviving passengers.;
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Central Traffic Detective Lee at 213-485-3111. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877- LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.