Los Angeles: On Saturday, May 17, 2003 at 11:48 p.m., Los Angeles Police Officers assigned to Southeast Area patrol responded to an "Ambulance Shooting" call in the 10000 block of Avalon Boulevard.

Arriving at the shooting location, the officers discovered that the victim, 18 year-old Carlos Perez, had already been transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle. Conducting an investigation, the officers determined that Perez and two other victims were standing on the sidewalk when a single suspect exited a dark colored vehicle and began to fire several gunshots at them. All three victims were hit by the gunfire.

While two of the victims received minor wounds, Perez was pronounced dead at 12:48 a.m. by hospital personnel. The shooting appears to be gang related.

Detectives from the Southeast Area Homicide Unit are handling the investigation. Detectives can be contacted directly at 213-485-6902. On weekends and during off-hours, please 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 Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.