Model Student Shot by Gang Fights for Life
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Doctors prepared to induce a coma Sunday in an attempt to save the life of a model student who was shot in the head this weekend by gang members while using a pay phone in Pacoima.
Ricardo Olivares, an 18-year-old UCLA student who planned to become a pediatrician, was in critical condition at UCLA Medical Center after being shot several times early Saturday, including once in the back of the head, police said. Doctors were hoping that by putting Olivares in a coma they could reduce swelling around the head wound, authorities said.
Police said Olivares, who has no gang connections, stopped with several friends at Laurel Canyon and Brand boulevards to buy gas about 12:45 a.m. While his friends pumped gas and bought snacks at the convenience store, Olivares walked to a nearby phone booth, where he was confronted by two young men, police said.
A fight began and one of the men pulled out a handgun and fired several shots, Los Angeles Police Detective Marshall White said. The attackers, who are believed to be gang members, fled and have not been found.
Family members and friends waiting outside Olivares’ room in the intensive care unit described a friendly, hard-working young man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. One friend called the attack an atrocity.
As a student at San Fernando High School, Olivares served as vice president of the student body and once was named student of the month. He maintained good grades and was accepted last year for admission to UC Berkeley and Stanford, as well as UCLA. He chose UCLA because it was close to home.
“He is a model person,” Olivares’ brother Victor said.
Olivares lives in an on-campus dormitory and works part time to take care of expenses not covered by his scholarship. He was visiting home at the time of the attack.
Raul Bocanegra, who grew up with Olivares, said that since junior high his friend knew that he wanted to be a pediatrician because it was a way to help people. Bocanegra also said he and Olivares planned to return to their high school to encourage students to continue their education.
“He is, by no means, a selfish person,” Bocanegra said.
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