Los Angeles: Rampart Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a male Hispanic, 25/30 years of age.

On January 19, 2005, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to an ambulance shooting at Alvarado Street and Hoover Street. The officers observed the victim on the sidewalk, with gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at scene.

The victim had been standing near the alley in the 1300 block of South Alvarado Street when the suspect walked up to him and shot him several times. The suspect entered the passenger side of a van, parked in the alley, and drove off eastbound toward Pico Boulevard.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, wearing black pants and shirt. The suspect's vehicle was described as an older full-size, tan van, possibly a Dodge. The identity of the victim and the motive for the shooting are unknown.

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking any additional eyewitnesses from the community. Anyone with information is requested to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives J. Erwin or A. Soler at 213-207-2060, during day time hours. On weekends or during off-hours, call the toll-free, 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.