North Hollywood: On Sunday, October 14, 2001, at approximately 1:45 a.m., North Hollywood Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of "Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Shots Fired" located at 13014 Sherman Way. Upon police officers arrival, they were informed by citizens at the scene that there was a possible victim inside apartment #31. Officers discovered inside the apartment a 30 year-old, male, Hispanic suffering from a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. Los Angeles Fire Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.

Officers obtained a description of the suspect and were informed that he was hiding inside another apartment located within that apartment complex. The officers deployed around the location and ordered the suspect to come out. At this time three small children were escorted out from the apartment. The officers then discovered the suspect hiding in the back bedroom. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and was transported to North Hollywood Community Police Station.

Further investigation revealed that the shooting occurred when the suspect confronted the victim over his interest in a girl who lived in the apartment complex. The suspect has been identified as 18 year-old, Miguel Rodriguez and has been booked for 187 P.C., Murder at Van Nuys Jail. The victim's name has been held pending notification of next of kin.

This information was received from Detective Mike Coffey, North Hollywood Operations Support Division.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Marlo Lopez del Haro, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.