Man found shot dead inside vehicle in Melrose District
Residents and patrons in the Melrose District stumbled upon a stunning sight early Saturday morning.
A man slumped over in his vehicle, dead, after suffering a fatal gun shot wound.
Officers responding at about 6:20 a.m. to a radio call of a possible murder in the area of North Orange Grove and Melrose avenues found the victim down inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound, the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Division reported.
"We really need help. Any images that help us understand what happened out here very helpful," Lt. John Radke of LAPD's West Bureau Homicide said.
Arriving paramedics pronounced the 22-year-old man dead at the scene. The victim's drivers license and wallet was still inside the car, which had a Kentucky license plate.
The car was located just off Melrose and Orange Grove Avenue.
Police said residents in the area reported hearing two gunshots at about 10 p.m. Friday, but no one called police.
"I'm not surprised because it happens every day. And when we do call, no one shows," a resident told CBSLA Reporter Tena Ezzeddine.
There's no question that a climate of crime in the area has taken its toll and has residents on edge.
"I'm angry and frustrated and sad," Peter Nichols, public safety advocacy group said.
Investigators were left puzzled after they found that the driver door of the victim's car was left open.
Why was the engine still on? How was the front fender smashed?
The suspects are still on the loose.
LAPD West Bureau homicide detectives urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to call them at 213-382-9470 or Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-8477.
"It does appear the person was pulled over at the curb. It does appear he may have struck something," Radke said.
