A recent rash of gun violence in Boyle Heights has resulted in one death and four hospitalizations, including two police officers. On Monday two separate shootings occurred, the first one at 4:15 a.m. at Hollenbeck Park. The victim, a 30-year-old Latino man was apparently in the park when the suspect fired several rounds, according to the Eastsider. The victim was transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
A second shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. when a woman open fired on a man who was repairing his car in Boyle Heights, hitting him several times, the Los Angeles Times reports. It happened near 5th and State streets when a woman approached the man and began a conversation with him. According to LAPD officers, the woman shot him and ran away, getting into a gray or silver Astro-style minivan.
This victim was also sent to the hospital in critical condition.
Another shooting on Friday between LAPD and a suspected gang member left an officer injured and the suspect dead. The man was identified as Robert Mark Diaz, a suspected gang member. According to The LA Times the suspect produced a gun while being chased by two police officer. A gun fight began where an officer was shot in the shoulder and the suspect was shot and killed. The officers were reportedly patrolling for gang members near 7th and Lorena streets. Another officer was injured during the incident, but both were released from the hospital.
Gun violence has been an ongoing problem in Boyle Heights. There have been several incidents of shootings in the east side neighborhood.
