Update: LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Leads to Fatal Shooting of 7-Eleven Employee

Update:

Homicide detectives of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Northeast Division are seeking the public’s help in providing information regarding the fatal shooting Sunday night of a 7-Eleven convenience store employee.

The employee, identified as Gonzalo Perez, 38, was shot and killed by two suspects Sunday, according to a communiqué from the LAPD Media Relations section Monday.

LAPD Northeast patrol officers responded to a call about a shooting at around 10:20 p.m. at the 7-Eleven store on 5138 N. Figueroa St. “When the officers arrived, they found Perez lying on the floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound,” the LAPD statement said.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics transported Perez to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena for emergency medical treatment. “Despite life-saving efforts, Perez died as a result of his injuries a short time later,” the communiqué said.

Perez was working in the convenience store as suspects entered the location posing as customers, according to the LAPD. As Perez walked to the register to assist the suspects, one of the suspects jumped over the counter, produced a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. 

As Perez walked away in an attempt to flee, the armed suspect fired a single round that struck Perez, the statement said. The suspects fled the convenience store, but it’s not known whether they drove away in a vehicle or fled on foot.

Both suspects are both described as male African Americans aged 25 years to 30 years.  

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to call Northeast Division Homicide Detectives Zesati and Aguilar at (323) 344-5744. Calls during non-business hours or on weekends should be directed to (877) 527-3247. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS, that is, (800) 222-8477. 

Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Previously:

A man working in a 7-Eleven store in Highland Park was shot and killed early Monday, according to the office of Councilmember Gil Cedillo. 

The homicide occurred at 12:30 a.m. at the 7-Eleven store on 5138 N. Figueroa St., CD 1 Deputy District Director José Rodriguez said in a communiqué, quoting the Los Angeles Police Department.

The victim, whose name was not given, was identified as 35 years to 40 years old. Two male suspect entered the 7-Eleven store and fired several rounds, the communiqué said, adding that the victim was “struck once in the side” and transported in critical condition to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where he was pronounced dead at 2:40 a.m.

The incident is not gang-related and the suspects are still at large, the CD 1 statement quoted the LAPD as saying.

The LAPD Northeast is expected to issue further details at around noon. Stay tuned.