Robbery victim fighting for his life
A man is listed in critical condition after he was shot in the head at Palisades Park Wednesday. Apparently he was shot by one of three men, who appeared to be homeless and attempted to rob him, police said.
At about 1 a.m., an acquaintance of the victim, who also appeared to be homeless, called police from a pay phone reporting that a robbery was in progress, police said. When Santa Monica police officers arrived at the scene, located at Montana and Ocean avenues, they found the man standing upright in the park with a gunshot wound to his head, said SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega.
He was transported to UCLA hospital.
The first suspect is described as a white male, in his 20s, 6’1”, 185 lbs. with reddish/blonde hair and a beard and mustache. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.
The second suspect is described as a white male, in his 20s, 5’9”, 120 lbs., wearing dark clothing and carrying a light gray or purple backpack.
The third suspect is described as a white male, with no further information.
They are wanted for attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, Fabrega said.
“We haven’t gotten a lot of information because the victim is in critical condition and was in surgery,” Fabrega said.
It is unknown how much money the suspects fled with.
Anyone with information about the crime should call SMPD’s robbery/homicide unit at (310) 458-8451 or dispatch at (310) 458-8491.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 29, 2002. Read the original PDF.