Los Angeles: On Monday, November 3, 2003, at about 8:40 p.m., Rampart Area Patrol Officers responded to a shooting call at Pico Boulevard and Dewey Avenue.

The investigation revealed that two male Hispanic suspects entered the El Chiquita Market located in the 2600 block West Pico Boulevard. Both suspects armed themselves with handguns and demanded money. The co-owners of the business were forced to open the cash register at which time one of the suspects reached behind the counter and grabbed money from the register. A gunfight ensued between the storeowners and the suspects. One suspect ran out of the store and collapsed onto the street suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. The second suspect fled on foot chased by one of the co-owners of the store. The suspect fired back at the owner as he was pursued, another gunfight ensued and the second suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was detained by the storeowner until the police arrived. During the initial gunfight that took place inside the store, the co-owner sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his right leg.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the first suspect dead as a result of his wounds. The second suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The co-owner was treated and released for a minor gunshot wound.

The surviving suspect was taken into custody and arrested for 187 P.C. Murder. The identity of the decedent (17 year-old male Hispanic) is being withheld pending notification to his family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Rampart Area Homicide Detectives, at 213-207-2000. On weekend and during off-hours contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.