Suspect Arrested in North Hollywood Murder NR44215kr

Los Angeles: A suspect in the shooting death of a North Hollywood resident early Saturday morning has been arrested.

On September 10, 2011, just before 1 a.m., Foothill Patrol Officers were called to an apartment in the 7600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard to investigate a report of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  When the officers arrived, they found 43-year-old Rafael Flores Vaca suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel transported Vaca to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A perimeter was quickly established to try and find the suspect.  One suspect, 25-year-old Caitan Arrequin was initially detained attempting to escape from the perimeter.  Detectives gathered additional information that led to a search warrant being served at Arrequin’s residence. Information and evidence recovered during the investigation pointed to Arrequin as the suspect who committed the crime.  He was arrested at about 5 p.m. later that day for Vaca’s murder.  He is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

The motive may stem from a neighbor or gang dispute.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Foothill Homicide Detectives, Detectives Mario Santana or Adrienne Hamilton at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 213-978-6500 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.