Suspects Flee After Shooting Two Victims

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, November 9, 2000

Los Angeles: On November 8, 2000 at approximately 7:00 p.m., 77th Street Area Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers Steven Burciaga, serial number 27372, ten years with the Department, and David Ross, serial number 33632, four years with the Department, were patrolling westbound on 54th Street approaching Van Ness Avenue when they heard numerous shots fired. The officers observed a group of approximately three male Blacks at the entrance to an apartment building at 2117 West 54th Street.

One of them was firing an unknown type of handgun into the open front courtyard of the structure. Observing the approaching police vehicle, the suspects fled on foot northbound on Van Ness Avenue, with the officers following them in the police vehicle. The officers observed a gray Volkswagen Beetle parked in the street north of the intersection and believed that other suspects were in the vehicle.

Officers Burciaga and Ross stopped and exited their vehicle as one suspect entered the Volkswagen and two suspects continue to run northbound. The suspects’ vehicle drove away southbound past the officers when one suspect on foot turned and pointed a handgun at Officer Burciaga. He responded by firing two rounds at the suspect.

Both pedestrian suspects continued to run, turning westbound into an alley and out of the officers’ view. Although a perimeter was immediately established, the suspects were not apprehended. An examination of the scene failed to reveal any physical evidence indicative of a gunshot wound.

Investigation of the crime scene at 2117 Van Ness Avenue revealed that two victims suffered gunshot wounds during the incident. The motive for the shooting appeared to be gang related. One victim received a superficial injury in the shoulder, the other victim was transported to a local hospital for gunshot wound to the upper torso area and he is listed in critical condition.

Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives are conducting this officer-involved shooting investigation.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 11:30 am PST
November 9, 2000