24-Year-Old Off-Duty LAPD Officer Shot and Killed by Alleged ‘Tagger’ at Avenue 26 Taco Stand (UPDATE)
Graffiti at Ave 26 stand on March 7, 2019. Photo by Brian Feinzimer
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.
Ave 26 Taco Stand is among the most crowded taquerias in northeast L.A., especially around the time of the shooting on weekends. It is a favorite for late-night suadero and al pastor tacos. In 2017, the taqueria was shut down by the Health Department for being a “non-permitted food operation.” However, the taqueria returned to their nightly schedule just a few days after, as reported by Eater.
I am ordering all @LACity flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of the life, service, and sacrifice of @LAPDHQ Officer Juan Diaz. Officer Diaz’s career was defined by dedication — to his fellow officers, his department, and our city. Our hearts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/lMAMQbOgcy
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) July 29, 2019
Mayor Garcetti condemned the murder and has ordered all L.A. City building flags to be lowered at half-staff “in honor of the life, service, and sacrifice” of Diaz. Tweeting that “Officer Juan Diaz career was defined by dedication — to his fellow officers, his department, and our city. Our hearts are with his family and friends.”
This is a procession I never want to be a part of ever again. It is a dark day for @LAPDHQ as we try to make sense of the senseless. The tragic murder of Police Officer II Juan Diaz hangs on every heart of every man and woman of the LAPD. pic.twitter.com/MSr6qHBzhK
— Josh Rubenstein (@PDPIOJosh) July 27, 2019
There was a procession for Juan Diaz on Saturday.
After the entire intersection was closed for the investigation the following day, L.A. Taco has confirmed that Ave 26 Taco Stand is back in service.
L.A. Taco will update this story as it develops.
Update on 8/2/19: L.A. Times is reporting that three suspects in Riverside, Murrieta, and Temecula have been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of Juan Diaz. LAPD Assistant Chief Bea Girmala has confirmed that the suspects are in their 20s but no names or interviews have happened yet. We will update as the story develops.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
FBI, ATF, and LAPD Announce Crack Down on Drugs, Ghost Guns, and Crime Linked to Cartels in Harbor Area
The multi-agency investigation, which found the criminal activities stretching to associates in two counties in Northern California, yielded a total of 27 arrests, 30 firearms, 72,115 fentanyl pills, 1.7 pounds of fentanyl powder, 143 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.7 pounds of heroin, 1.9 pounds of cocaine, 1.7 of pounds PCP, and $44,000.
Exclusive: Top Film & TV Studios Spent Over $660 Billion on Stock Buybacks While Actors and Writers Live ‘Paycheck to Paycheck’
According to economist William Lazonick stock repurchasers like Apple could certainly use the tens of billions that they spend on buybacks to pay actors and screenwriters more. “The fact [is] they’re not paying them more,” and instead they’re making the rich richer.
Spot Check! Caviar Cakes, Champurrado Pot de Creme, Tamal Ice Cream, and Free Elote From Becky G
You can also party with L.A.'s first Black women-owned dispensary, enjoy a Lebanese legend past midnight, and pair quesabirrias with funnel cakes.
The Seven Best Tacos Along Metro’s K Line, From Crenshaw to Inglewood
The K Line is Metro's newest light rail line that cruises through the heart of Black Los Angeles, from Nipsey Square to Leimert Park. The taco scene along this route is all about hustle, featuring some of the cities must under-the-radar community gems like a historic L.A. taquería with a killer red salsa, lightly crunchy "enchilada tacos," and so much more. Next stop: flavor.
