The victim of a shootout in Bell Gardens was identified by county representatives Saturday.
Kevin Ruiz, 17, was the identified as the victim fatally shot during what homicide detectives believe was a robbery, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.
Officers from the Bell Gardens Police Department responded to a business at 7:54 p.m. Wednesday regarding a shots fired call at 5845 Florence Ave., near the Long Beach (710) Freeway, said Deputy Miguel Meza of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs’ Department’s Information Bureau.
During their investigation police learned several people had entered what sheriff’s homicide detectives say is an illegal marijuana store in what appeared to be an attempted robbery. A gunfight ensued, leaving two men shot inside and several others scambling to get away, Meza said.
Detectives found Ruiz and another man inside the business with gunshot wounds.
Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office said he died of gunshot wounds to the chest.
The second man was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives are assisting the Bell Gardens police with the investigation, which authorities say could be gang-related.
There is no suspect or suspect vehicle information.
Anyone with information about this shooting was asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.