Los Angeles: On February 16, 2004, at about 6:00 p.m., Newton Area Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an "Ambulance Shooting" in the 4300 block of South Compton Avenue. When the officers arrived, they saw a 14 year old male Hispanic suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was treated at the scene and transported to USCMC where he later died from his injuries.

Newton Detectives investigating the crime found that the victim and two other individuals were riding bicycles westbound on 43^rd Street towards Compton Avenue, when a car, possible sport utility vehicle, stopped along side the young bicyclists. Several suspects then got out of the car armed with handguns and opened fire on the victims riding the bicycles. One victim was struck by the suspect’s gunfire. The suspects got in their car and drove south on the Compton Boulevard.

Investigators believe that this incident may be gang related and unfortunately no suspects have been identified at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Newton Area Homicide Detectives, at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Sara Faden, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.