SMPD working with LAPD
By Daily Press staff
PICO NEIGHBORHOOD — Police officers assigned to this area in the wake of recent gang violence are looking for one or more suspects who reportedly shot at a Santa Monica gang member on Sunday night.
At 9:42 p.m., an officer heard four shots fired in the area of 2100 Pico Blvd. As the information was broadcast, police dispatch received calls of shots fired from the area, police said.
An Operation Safe Streets supervisor saw a man wearing baggy clothing running westbound on Pico Boulevard. Preliminary investigation revealed the subject was walking when the suspect’s vehicle pulled up and the occupants in the vehicle said something to the man, at which point he ran. As he ran away, shots were fired. No one was injured.
The apparent victim was uncooperative with police and gave limited information. The incident appears to be gang-related,police said.
The suspect’s vehicle is described as a possible white mid-’90s Toyota Corolla.
Santa Monica Police are working with LAPD’s Pacific Division regarding another shooting that occurred later in the evening, in West Los Angeles, to determine whether the two incidents are related.
Operation Safe Streets is a special task force that was set up in the aftermath of several shootings this month in the area. It includes beefed-up patrols and detectives focused on the apprehension and prosecution of individuals involved in gang activity.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the robbery/homicide unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8451 or the watch commander’s office at (310) 458-8426. Callers who wish to provide anonymous information also may call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463). Callers with information that leads to an arrest and conviction become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 25, 2006. Read the original PDF.