Los Angeles: On Friday, April 13, 2001, at approximately 10:35 P.M., Rampart Patrol Officers responded to a radio call, "Ambulance Shooting, at McDonalds, located at 405 North Alvarado Street." Upon arrival the officers found the victim, described as a male Hispanic, 24 years old, who was down on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. A Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue ambulance responded to the location and transported the victim to Los Angeles County / U.S.C. Medical Center.

Emergency Medical Personnel were unable to save the suspect and he was pronounced dead on April 14, 2001 at approximately 2:35 A.M.

The investigation revealed that witnesses observed the victim confront the suspects who were waiting in line while in the drive through lane. Witnesses heard a gunshot and observed the victim stumble backwards.

The suspect’s vehicle fled the scene and was stopped several blocks from the crime scene for an unrelated traffic violation. The officers, monitoring the crime broadcast, noted the suspect’s vehicle matched that from the broadcast. The officers took the suspects into custody without incident. Later, the suspects were positively identified by witnesses.

The motive for this shooting is believed to be gang related, as the suspect and victim are known gang members. The suspect, vehicle and weapon are in custody. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

Detectives from Rampart Station, Operation Support Division, are conducting the investigation.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.