What:
Press Conference

When:
Friday, March 1, 2002
11:00 a.m.

Where:
Parker Center (In Front)
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On Friday, February 22, 2002, at approximately 8:15 a.m., the victim, a 32 year-old female Hispanic, was returning to her residence in the 6100 block of Eleanor Avenue, Hollywood. A lone male Hispanic suspect drove into the alley next to the victim's residence. The suspect exited his vehicle and grabbed the victim from behind attempting to force her inside of his vehicle. The victim screamed and was able to break free when the startled suspect drove off eastbound in the alley. The suspect was confronted by a male White who was standing just north of the alley, when the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds at the male.

An undercover LAPD officer heard the gunshots and observed the suspect armed with a handgun. The undercover officer began following the suspect in his unmarked vehicle. The following continued through several streets in Hollywood area. The suspect stopped his vehicle on Orange Drive just south of Melrose Avenue. The undercover officer stopped his vehicle behind the suspect's vehicle and observed the suspect point a handgun at him and fire multiple rounds. The officer drew his service weapon and returned fire striking the suspect's vehicle and possibly the suspect. The suspect drove rapidly from the location with the officer following. The vehicle and suspect were lost in the area of Rosewood Avenue and La Brea Avenue.

The suspect's vehicle is described as a 1990-1995, Honda Civic, two-door, black with damage to the rear window, driver's window and Windshield. The damage was sustained from gunfire from the officer. A photo of a similar vehicle will be available at the press conference.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 20-25 years old, short black hair and a moustache.

Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-485-2531 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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