Los Angeles: On Sunday, July 27, 2003, at about 1:26 a.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to an assault with deadly weapon call in the area of Foothill Boulevard and Polk Street.

The investigation revealed that Rasheed Coleman, a 25 year-old resident of Sylmar, was standing in front of the 13500 block of Sayre Street with a group of friends. They were approached by a light colored compact vehicle, which was occupied by four or five unidentified male Hispanic’s with shaved heads.

One of the suspects fired in the direction of the group. Coleman was struck in the torso by the gunfire. He was placed in a private vehicle for transportation to a local hospital. Enroute to the hospital Coleman’s friends observed a police officer in the area of Polk Street and Foothill Boulevard.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Coleman to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The suspect(s) and murder weapon remains outstanding. The motive for the shooting appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Foothill Area Homicide Detectives at 818-834-3115. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.