Los Angeles Police Department officials announced a $25,000 reward Thursday for information leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect or suspects in a shooting that left a father of three paralyzed earlier this year.
Police said the violence occurred on April 16 at a swap meet in the 700 block of South Alvarado Street in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood.
Authorities said the suspect’s vehicle, a silver four-door Toyota Camry with two noticeable dents on the passenger side, was parked next to the victim’s vehicle, with three minor children inside.
At one point, the father, whose identity has not been released, noticed two women arguing near his car.
Concerned for his children’s safety, he walked back to his vehicle and while standing between his own vehicle and the Camry, the back window of the suspect’s vehicle rolled down and the victim saw a gun pointed directly at him.
“Fearing that his children might be caught in the crossfire, he retreated toward the sidewalk,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a press conference Thursday. “As he walked toward the sidewalk, he heard gunfire, felt a burning sensation and collapsed to the sidewalk.”
The victim’s wife and other witnesses called 911 as the shooting suspect fled the scene in a Camry.
Police are also searching for a man and woman, described only as suspects, who they believe may shed light on the tragic shooting.
“The victim didn’t see who shot him. [him]”He simply saw a handgun,” police said. “We don’t know if they were involved in the incident or witnesses, but they were in close proximity to where the shooting occurred.”
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Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer Marroquin with the Los Angeles Police Department at 213-484-3670.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.