From LAPD community relations:
Wednesday afternoon shortly after 4 p.m., a suspect on foot using a handgun approached three people in a park and began shooting at them, leaving two dead and one wounded.
The incident occurred at Penmar Park on Lake Street in the Venice area. All three victims were seated on bleachers adjacent to a baseball diamond when the shooting occurred. One of the victims, 18-year-old Salvador Diaz, fell from the bleachers and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 19-year-old Alan Mateo, collapsed on the bleachers and was pronounced dead a short time later after being taken to a local hospital. A third victim, whose identity is not being released at this time due to personal safety concerns, was taken to a local hospital in stable condition after being hit in the leg while attempting to escape.
Detectives investigating the incident, which appears to be gang related, are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspects. Currently, they have very little information, except that a male Hispanic in his 20s fired at the victims. There was also a second suspect driving a car in which both suspects left the area. There is no description of the driver, and the car is only described as a silver or grey sedan.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call LAPD Pacific Area homicide detectives at 310-482-6372. During non-business hours or on weekends, messages may be left at 310-482-6377, or calls can be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
