Update to Murder/Attempt Robbery at Costco

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, August 18, 2000

"Update to Murder/Attempt Robbery at Costco"

On August 17, 2000, Robbery-Homicide Division detectives conducted an extensive follow-up investigation on Ramon Gutierrez and the get away vehicle (both in custody) Detectives traced the unregistered vehicle to the 7000 block of Hazeltine Avenue, in Van Nuys.

Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation to the Hazeltine address and determined that the recent possessor of the getaway vehicle was Ignacio Chavez, 47 years old, whose physical description matched the most current description of the second shooter in the robbery attempt. Detectives surveiled the location. Chavez exited an apartment and drove away in a blue and white Dodge van. Detectives, with the assistance of Van Nuys Patrol, Vice and COBRA, stopped the vehicle and took Chavez into custody.

The subsequent interview of witnesses enabled detectives to obtain a search warrant that resulted in the recovery of evidence.

Detectives recovered pursuant to the search warrant:

One (1) MAK-90 semi-auto assault rifle 7.62X39 caliber
One (1) Berretta 9mm, semi-automatic pistol, with a silencer
One (1) Colt 45 semi-automatic pistol
Approximately 100 rounds of miscellaneous ammunition
7.62 X 39 caliber, 45 caliber and 9 mm

Detectives are currently investigating the possibility that Gutierrez and Chavez were involved in similar crimes.

One count of murder has been filed against Ramon Gutierrez. Ignacio Chavez has been booked for murder, the filing of charges is pending.

The hospitalized victims (husband and wife) wounded by gunfire in the attempt robbery murder are still listed in serious condition.

The Coroner’s autopsy revealed that the decedent, Owen Wolf, was killed by a single gunshot wound through the left temporal area. The wound was projected from a high powered rifle which was consistent with the weapons and ammunition fired by the suspect.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation.

For further information contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PDT
August 18, 2000