Los Angeles: On Monday, October 15, 2001 at approximately 5:20 p.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to an ambulance shooting on the 2700 block of Hyans Street. Upon their arrival, the officers observed a pregnant female lying on the ground and a second victim, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital. The female victim was admitted into surgery where she went into labor and gave birth to her newborn child. The female victim subsequently died in surgery, as a result of her injuries. The newborn child is in critical condition. The male adult, who had also been shot, was treated and released from the hospital.

The investigation revealed that the suspect walked up to the male and female victims, who were standing in front of the apartment building. After an exchange of words between the suspect and the victims, the suspect removed a handgun and started shooting, striking both victims.

Witnesses said they saw the suspect enter a Grey, 4 door Toyota and drive southbound on Occidental Boulevard, then eastbound Council Street. The passenger of the vehicle was seen tossing a gun under a parked vehicle.

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang-related. The weapon is in custody. The identification of the victim is being withheld, pending the notification of next of kin.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a shaved head, 5'7", 140 lbs., wearing a black jersey and brown pants.

Rampart Homicide Detectives are handling this investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detectives J. Breuer or J. Motto at 213-207-2051.

This press release was prepared by Police Officer Victoria Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586