The search is still underway for the suspect who shot and killed Juan Diaz, an off-duty cop who was at the popular Avenue 26 Taco Stand shortly before 1 AM last Saturday morning. He was out with his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s two brothers at the time of the shooting. One of his girlfriend’s brothers was also shot, but he is expected to survive.
ABC Eyewitness News has confirmed that the shooting took place after the police officer tried to stop a group of men from writing graffiti nearby. A source to the LAPD revealed that one of the taggers brandished a handgun and threatened Diaz. Diaz and his group then tried to avoid the confrontation and escape to his vehicle and that is when the gunman opened fire.
More details The official LAPD news release below.
We are still canvassing for available video footage and looking for witnesses, and we have processed the crime scene with the hopes that evidence obtained will provide significant information and context into what happened. These evidentiary items are undergoing relentless follow up and the most thorough level of analysis.