Man Fatally Shot Near Tire Shop in Santa Ana; Police Seek 3 Men

An Orange man was shot to death in a pickup truck Friday night after an apparent confrontation with gang members outside a local tire shop, authorities said.

The victim was identified as Zenen Bautista Delapaz, 29.

Police said that the victim, his brother and a friend were returning to the tire shop at 2701 S. Orange Ave. in Santa Ana just before 9 p.m. Friday when they were approached by three young men who asked them about buying tires.

The victim apparently worked at the site, police said. A shop called Delapaz Tires is listed at the address, but no one could be reached there Saturday.

After an initial inquiry about tires, one of the would-be customers pulled out a dark-colored handgun and started shooting, firing six or seven rounds, Sgt. Anthony Levatino said.

Delapaz, who was driving the truck, was hit once and attempted to flee the scene. But he slumped over the wheel as the truck came to a stop about a block or so away, Levatino said.

He was dead by the time police arrived on the scene, but neither his brother nor his friend appeared to have been injured in the attack, the officer added.

The assailants fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle and were still at large Saturday night. Police believe they are gang members.