Tagger Confrontation Leads to Attempt Murder Shooting

July 2, 2008

UPDATE:

Los Angeles: Follow-up investigation by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) homicide detectives have identified the armed suspect who shot the business owner in the incident described below as 18-year-old Arvin Ghazalian, a resident of Tujunga and gang member.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed a felony warrant for Ghazalian, alleging one count of attempted murder. So far, efforts to apprehend the suspect have been unsuccessful, and LAPD detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating him with the release of his photo. Photo of suspect is attached.
The victim is now recuperating at home.

The public is advised that suspect Ghazalian is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call LAPD Robbery-Homicide Detectives Mike Oppelt or Al Aldaz aTagger Confrontation Leads to Attempt Murder Shooting - Arvin Ghazaliant 213-485-2531. On weekends and after-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Los Angeles: A tagger caught vandalizing a wall, shot and seriously injured a man who tried to intervene.

On Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at around 1:00 p.m., a 51-year-old business owner and his brother confronted two suspects he had just watched spray graffiti on a wall of his business in the 5000 block of Hollywood Boulevard. When a verbal confrontation began between the men, one of the two suspects pulled out a handgun and shot the victim once in the chest.

After the shooting the suspects, described as White men, 16-20 years of age, got into a tan 1999 Toyota Camry and sped away from the location. Detectives are following up on several leads, one of which led to the service of a search warrant at a home in the 10100 block of Tujunga Canyon Boulevard in Tujunga. The detectives continue to actively investigate these leads, as the suspects are still outstanding.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he remains in critical, but stable condition.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Michael Oppelt or Ismael Aldaz at 213-485-2531. On weekends and during off hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).