Two Gang Members Arrested for Shooting Near Birmingham High School

September 14, 2007

Los Angeles: Two known gang members have been arrested in connection with the shooting that occurred in the parking lot of the Jack in the Box Restaurant on the southeast corner of Balboa Avenue and Vanowen Street.

On Monday, September 10, 2007, at around 3:20 p.m., two suspects approached the victim’s vehicle, identified themselves as Mara Salvatrucha Gang members then fired several rounds into the vehicle. The victim, a male Hispanic, 23 years of age, was struck in the arm and leg. He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

Based upon information developed during the course of the investigation, detectives assigned to the case identified two suspects. Walter Oswaldo Guerra, 18 years of age, resident of Van Nuys, and Sanderson Montes, 18 years of age, resident of North Hollywood. Both suspects were arrested this morning after search warrants were served.

Detectives have connected these two suspects to three additional crimes, which occurred over the past two months. Preliminary ballistics evidence links the gun used in Monday’s shooting to an Attempt Robbery on August 4, 2007, where the victim was shot in the leg and an Assault with a Deadly Weapon incident on August 6, 2007, in Van Nuys.

Neither the suspects nor the victim are enrolled at Birmingham High School.

Van Nuys Area officers are working with the manager and owner of the Jack in the Box Restaurant to eliminate the problems associated with students loitering in the parking lot and around the business after school. Up until recently the restaurant had employed a security guard at the location. The Los Angeles Police Department is also working with the Metropolitan Transit Authority to relocate the bus stop to the west side of Balboa Avenue. Relocating the bus stop will move the majority of the students away from the businesses on the east side of Balboa Avenue.

Anyone with information concerning these or other crimes the suspects may have been involved are asked to contact Van Nuys Gang Detectives at 818-374-0040. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).