Unprovoked Shooting, Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying a trio who shot at a man outside a Wilmington liquor store. The confrontation and shooting were caught on surveillance video.

On November 11, 2006, around 10:20 PM, three men drove up to John’s Liquor, located in the 1600 block of North Avalon Boulevard. The driver and one of two passengers exited the sedan and walked into the liquor store.

The second passenger, who was waiting in the front seat, confronted a group of three men, who were talking on the sidewalk. The man in the car told the men on the sidewalk that they "did not belong there" as they were "Mexicans."

When the driver and other passenger returned to the sedan, the passenger in the front seat fired one shot from a handgun at the three men on the sidewalk, but none of the men were injured.

"It’s amazing none of the men were injured, considering the suspect fired from only 15 feet away," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "This was completely unprovoked. The footage from inside the store shows the accomplices quite clearly. We hope someone will recognize them and lead us to the shooter."

Witnesses described the shooter as Hispanic, in his early twenties, with black hair, and brown eyes. He weighed about 195 pounds.

The two accomplices also appeared to be Hispanic and in their twenties. They were wearing distinctive shirts that someone may recognize. The suspects’ car may be a tan or silver Toyota Avalon.

Anyone with information about the suspects and their vehicle are asked to contact Officer Dan Vasquez or Officer Walter McMahon, Harbor Gang Detective Section, at 310-522-2040. On weekends and after hours, call the toll-free 24-hour number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Video footage of the shooting and from inside the liquor store is available through Media Relations Section.