Los Angeles: On Saturday, January 17, 2004, at about 9:40 p.m., Van Nuys Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Shots Fired" in the 15100 block of Erwin Street. When the officers arrived, they found the victim, 21 year-old Juan Manuel Suarez in his vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and transported Suarez to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. A passenger that was with Suarez at the time of the shooting was not hurt.

The motive for this shooting appears to be gang-related. The suspect(s) identity is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-.8370. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL or (1-877-529-3855).

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