LAPD Releases Details of Echo Park Shooting Death

The Los Angeles Police Department has released its official version of on Saturday, based on witness accounts.

The official version confirms that the incident began as one of the suspects yelled at David, who stood at a south corner of Echo Park Avenue.  It also confirms that the three suspects chased David west on Sunset Boulevard. The police account says David was shot before he reached the corner of Logan Street and Sunset Boulevard, but fell down and then stood up again before finally collapsing.

, and police say they continue to look for witnesses and other information. 

Here is the official text of the LAPD release:

"On May 7, 2011, at around 12:30 a.m., a man running from suspects on Sunset Boulevard was gunned down in the street.

"The shooting victim was Michael David, a White, 30-year-old resident of Echo Park.  According to witnesses, he was confronted by three suspects on the south side of Sunset Boulevard near Echo Park Street.  One of the suspects was yelling at David very loudly, although witnesses were unable to determine what the suspect was saying.  After a few seconds, David ran northbound across Sunset Boulevard and was chased by the three suspects.  One of the suspects could not keep up and fell behind.  

"The victim proceeded to run about one block heading west on the north side of Sunset Boulevard as the suspects chased him. He then went south into the roadway on the boulevard when one of the suspects fired a shot at him from a short distance away.  Immediately after shooting him, the two suspects ran away on foot, heading east on Sunset Boulevard.  David fell as soon as he was shot but stood up and continued walking toward the intersection of Logan Street and Sunset Boulevard where he collapsed.  Michael David was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, but died around 7:42 a.m.

"Detectives are still investigating the motive for the shooting. The three suspects are described only as Hispanic males in their early 20s.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Arteaga or Linscomb at 213-484-3639 or 213-484-3642, respectively.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).