Victim Killed by Rival Gang Member

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, June 8, 1999
On Monday, June 7, 1999 at approximately 1:50 a.m., Northeast Area Uniformed Patrol Officers responded to an "ADW, Possible Shots Fired," at the 4700 block of Vermont Avenue.

Upon their arrival at the location, the officers spoke with a surviving victim who advised that he and his friend (decedent) were driving south on Vermont Avenue. While waiting at the red tri-light located at Prospect Avenue, the victims were approached by rival gang members, who approached them in a small, dark colored vehicle. The suspects asked the victims, "Where you from?" and before the victims could respond, the suspects opened fire on the victims. The driver (victim) was struck by the gunfire, mortally wounding him and causing the victim to lose control of his vehicle. The passenger, (victim-2) in fear of his life, jumped from the moving vehicle, as the vehicle continued southbound on Vermont Avenue. The vehicle struck the west curb of Vermont Avenue and then a tree, which caused the vehicle to overturn on the street.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to the location, where paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to the victim. The victim failed to respond, and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene at 1:57 a.m.

The decedent is identified as Oscar Pacheco, a male Hispanic, twenty-three years of age.

This incident is street gang related, and the suspects are still outstanding.

Northeast Area Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Any information should be directed to Detectives Teague or Ortiz at 213-847-4263, or the Northeast Watch Commander at 213-847-2563.

For Release 1:00 pm PST
June 8, 1999