Pacoima - On Monday, April 16, 2001, at 4:55 p.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting just occurred at the 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located a shooting victim down on the ground. Paramedics responded and transported the victim, Fernando Alvarez, a 20-year-old resident of Lakeview Terrace, to a local hospital. The victim was treated for gunshot wounds to his torso, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation revealed the victim was walking on Van Nuys Boulevard at Glenoaks Boulevard, when he was approached by a lone Hispanic gang member. Witnesses stated the suspect fired at lease two shots at the victim with an unknown type handgun and fled on foot eastbound from the scene.

The motive for the murder is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Foothill Area Homicide Detective Unit at 818-834-3115 or 818-834-3102.

The investigation is being conducted under the direction of Captain K. Pitcher, Commanding Officer, Foothill Operations Support Division.

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