North Hollywood: On Thursday, December 13, 2001, at 11:35 a.m., Officers from North Hollywood Division responded to a report of shots being fired in the 8300 block of Sharp Avenue. Upon the officers arrival they discovered the body of a 15 year old male Hispanic, later identified as Santiago Polanco of Sun Valley. The victim was a 9^th grade student at Francis Polytechnic High School.

The investigation has determined that the victim was walking with three friends eastbound in the alley between Community Street and Roscoe Boulevard, towards the 8300 block of Sharp Avenue. A vehicle that has been described as a green Jeep Cherokee pulled into the alley adjacent to the victim. The vehicle was occupied by at least two male Hispanics with shaved heads. A passenger in the vehicle fired multiple shots from an unknown type handgun, striking the victim in the upper torso. The vehicle then drove away westbound in the alley.

The shooting is being considered gang related at this time, but no motive has been established.

The investigation is being conducted by North Hollywood Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call, Detective Andy Alegria or Robert Morales, at 818-623-4071 or 818-213-4016.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.