Police Tuesday released video of a black SUV that was recorded on the night a 22-year-old man was gunned down on a Boyle Heights sidewalk.
The fatal shooting occurred at about 4 a.m. on Aug. 11, 2024, near the corner of Evergreen Boulevard and Folsom Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Investigating officers observed the victim, who was later identified as Ruben Vergara, laying on the ground in a prone position and having sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his torso area,” according to an LAPD statement. “Los Angeles Fire Department responded and treated the victim but, unfortunately … Vergara failed to respond to medical aid, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at scene.”
Detectives obtained surveillance video that showed the suspects drive up to the location, exit a vehicle and approach the victim.
“The suspects then shot the victim while he was standing on the sidewalk in front of his residence,” police said.
On Tuesday, investigators released video of the suspect vehicle and a gray, older-model Toyota Rav4 that was traveling south on Ditman Avenue from Medford Avenue about two hours before the shooting.
The video shows a suspect exiting the vehicle and approaching an RV before re-entering the vehicle and continuing south on Ditman.
Police described the suspect as a male wearing dark clothing.
“The vehicle used by the suspect is believed to be a black Chevrolet Silverado (pickup) with chrome rims,” according to the LAPD.
Anyone with additional information was urged to call the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division-Central Bureau Section at 213-980-2446 to speak with Detective J. Sanchez, or Detective L. Garcia. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.