Los Angeles: On July 23, 2004, at 11:49 P.M., Foothill patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Shots Fired" in the 13400 block of Gager Street, Pacoima. Upon arrival, officers observed one male Hispanic victim, approximately 26 years-old, lying on the street with a possible gunshot wound to the upper torso. Paramedics immediately transported the victim to a local hospital where he died. His identity has not yet been determined.

Officers at the scene of the shooting were met by a young woman and a female teenager who advised the officers that they had been passengers in a car driven by the victim. They initially stated that the victim had turned down Gager Street, a cul-de-sac, while searching for an address to a different street to drop off one of the passengers. As the victim was negotiating a U-turn, a group of unidentified males began to approach their car and shouted challenges as to why they were in the neighborhood. Suddenly, someone began shooting at the car and the victim was struck by gunfire. The group of males fled and the passengers exited the car and knocked on residents’ doors asking them to call an ambulance.

The investigation has revealed that he motive appears to be gang-related.

Foothill Detectives are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information is asked to call 818 834-3115 or information can be phoned to a 24 hour toll free number at 1 877 529-3855.

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.