A $50,000 reward was announced Thursday for information leading to the identification and arrest of whomever mistakenly wounded a 10-year-old girl in a drive-by shooting in Boyle Heights, then left the scene laughing.
A man on a bicycle was the intended target in the shooting that occurred about 6 p.m. on June 10 near the intersection of Rogers Avenue and South Chicago Street, west of the Hollywood (101) Freeway, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section.
The girl and her sister were waiting to cross a street when a passenger in the suspect vehicle opened fire on the intended victim, who was riding a bike near the girls and who was not struck, police said.
“On June 10th, as you know, the little girl was outside with her sister when a car drove by and fired several shots at a bicyclist riding near the girls,” City Councilman Jose Huizar said. “The 10-year-old girl was struck in the head and collapsed.”
Laughter was heard coming from the car as it left the scene, according to the LAPD. The girl was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery.
The reward was announced at a news conference at the LAPD’s Hollenbeck Station. Members of the girl’s family were among those attending, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police said there were two vehicles involved, each carrying three to four male suspected gang members. The shots were fired by a passenger, described as a man in his early to mid 20s, in a black 2005 Toyota Camry sedan. The second vehicle was described as a 2001 metallic silver Chevrolet Impala with a sunroof and a spoiler on the trunk.
Anyone with information about the suspects was urged to call (323) 342- 8900 and ask for Hollenbeck detectives Yoshida or Carreon. On weekends or after hours, call should be directed to the Hollenbeck watch commander at (323) 342- 4101.
Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.
—City News Service