News Release

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Fight Inside Transit Bus Results in Serious Injury to Passenger NR12190cl

(Update)
May 2, 2012

On April 27, 2012, the person who walked away from the bus was located and interviewed by West Bureau Homicide detectives. He was not arrested. According to detectives, both the suspect and victim were males in their 20’s. The investigation is ongoing and the case is being investigated by West Bureau Homicide detectives.

Los Angeles: Detectives from LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide Division have released video footage of a fight aboard a transit bus in efforts to identify the individual involved.

On April 5, 2012, around 7:05 p.m., two passengers aboard a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus became involved in a verbal dispute which escalated into a physical altercation. As a result of the fight, victim Luis Contreras suffered a serious head injury and is now fighting for his life at a local hospital. The bus was traveling in the area of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue in West Los Angeles when the incident occurred.

“This fight literally started over one individual stepping on the foot of the other. Words were exchanged and punches were thrown,” said West Bureau Homicide Detective Luis Carranza who is assigned to the case.

There were several passengers on the bus who witnessed the incident. Witnesses were interviewed, but detectives have not been able to identify the individual involved in the fight. Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the individual involved. “We need someone to watch the video and look at the photographs,” Carranza explained. “Anyone with information can contact us. We just want to know why this unfortunate incident occurred. We want to speak with him to get his side of the story.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD West Bureau Homicide Detectives Armando Acero or Luis Carranza at 213-382-9470. Anonymous tips can be called into 1-877 LAPD 24-7, Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD West Bureau Homicide Detectives, Detectives Armando Acero or Luis Carranza at 213-382-9470. Anonymous tips can be called into 1-877 LAPD 247, Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompt.