PICO NEIGHBORHOOD Police are searching for at least three suspects wanted in connection with a gang-related shooting on Thursday near the corner of 20th Street and Pico Boulevard, authorities said.
Another suspect, a juvenile, was taken into custody shortly after the early evening shooting. The remaining suspects are described only as male Hispanics, according to SMPD Lt. Alex Padilla.
The shooting occurred around 5:35 p.m. in the 1900 block of 20th Street. Witnesses told police that anywhere from four to six Hispanics approached a group of African-American males standing in front of an apartment building and opened fire with a handgun.
The suspects then fled on foot. No gunshot victims were found at the scene nor was any weapon recovered, Padilla said. Police did receive a tip about a gunshot victim having walked into a local hospital and being treated for a non-life threatening wound in his arm, but a follow-up investigation revealed the victim had not been shot in Santa Monica.
While at the scene of the shooting, officers received information that one of the suspects was still in the area and may have been hiding in a nearby home. With the help of a helicopter from the Los Angeles Police Department, officers conducted searches of apartments in the area and found the juvenile hiding beneath a bed, Padilla said.
Since the suspect is a juvenile, his name was not released. â– Anyone having information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491, or Sgt. Gary Herman or Detective Sal Lucio at (310) 458-8451. 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 action become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 16, 2007. Read the original PDF.