The 42-year-old suspect was seen loading a rifle in the street before fleeing a police pursuit in South Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
June 19, 2024 11:33 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles Police are searching for a man on parole who is considered armed and dangerous and are warning the public to call 911 if they see him.
Los Angeles Police Department SWAT teams and police dog units conducted a search in South Los Angeles late Tuesday night after a 42-year-old man on parole for murder was seen loading a rifle in the street.
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Officers were dispatched to the area of 69th Avenue and Avalon Street on Tuesday around 8:15 p.m., responding to a report of an active shooter in the area.
“A local resident called 911 after observing the suspect standing next to a vehicle and loading a rifle,” the LAPD said in a statement. “A detailed description of the suspect and his clothing allowed officers to quickly locate him upon arriving on scene. As officers approached, the suspect fled on foot, leaving the rifle behind. Officers pursued the suspect and observed him reaching into his waistband before entering a nearby junkyard.”
“Believing the suspect was still armed, officers requested additional resources,” the LAPD said in a statement. “LAPD Metropolitan Police K9 and SWAT officers responded to the scene and assisted in the apprehension of the suspect. After several hours of searching, the suspect was no longer in the area.”
Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ezequiel Garcia, who is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 157 pounds and has short, dark hair. As of Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Police Department had not released a photo of the suspect.
“He is currently on parole for murder and is considered armed and dangerous,” police said. “The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting the South Los Angeles community to these crimes to emphasize the importance of personal safety. Residents are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to call police if they notice anyone acting suspiciously or loitering in their area.”
“The Los Angeles Police Department will be increasing patrols in South Los Angeles as detectives work to apprehend the suspect,” police said. “Residents will see more black and white police vehicles and uniformed officers in their neighborhoods. This increased staffing is being implemented as a precautionary measure.”
Anyone with information on Garcia’s whereabouts is asked to call Newton District detectives at 323-846-6547 or 877-LAPD-247. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or use the website at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.