1 Killed, 5 Hurt in Unrelated Gang Gunfire

Police on Saturday blamed ongoing gang violence for separate shootings in Pacoima late Friday that left one man dead, another fighting for his life with a bullet in his brain and at least four others injured.

Ramiro Tamez, 20, of North Hollywood was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, where he was taken by friends after being shot in the chest, police said.

Police said the shooting apparently started about 10:30 p.m.

Tamez and several other gang members allegedly robbed a group of youths on their way to a party in the 12500 block of Bradley Avenue, Los Angeles Police Det. Frank Bishop said.

Tamez and his friends demanded money and grabbed a chain from one of the youths, who are not gang members, Bishop said. As the youths drove away, Tamez fired at them through the back window of their van, hitting an 18-year-old in the head, police said.

Police declined to release the victim’s name, but said he was in critical condition undergoing brain surgery Saturday at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

Two other youths were injured, but not seriously, Bishop said. Other shooting victims may have been taken by friends to hospitals outside the area to avoid being questioned, he said.

Tamez then drove to a gas station known to be a gang hangout at Brand and Laurel Canyon boulevards, where he was fatally shot by rival gang members, Bishop said.

Police do not believe the act was in retaliation for the earlier shootings or that the incidents were related. At least two other people were injured by gunfire at the gas station, Bishop said.

Four people were in custody Saturday in connection with the incidents, but police withheld their names. One was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and three on suspicion of robbery, Bishop said.