HOLLYWOOD—The unnecessary death of one victim and injuries caused to another were the result of a confrontation by taggers on Wednesday, December 17.

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According to the Los Angeles Police Department, victims Jose Jorge Perez, 29, and Jose Diaz, 41, were confronted by taggers who opened fire on them after they attempted to stop them in the act. Spokesman Richard French of the LAPD wasn't available for comment, but stated in published reports that "the suspect approached their vehicle and fired shots, then fled." The LAPD blog stated, "Based on preliminary information, detectives believe that Perez saw gang members vandalizing property with graffiti. Perez decided to confront the gang members about the graffiti. In an apparent response to the comments about the graffiti, one gang member pulled out a gun and fired into the car killing Perez and injuring his passenger. The gunman ran from the scene southbound on Hobart Boulevard."

Police responded to the location of the 900 block of North Hobart Boulevard near Lemon Grove Avenue at approximately 8:40 p.m. According to the LAPD, the victims were "both suffering from injuries" when they arrived on the scene. Perez, the driver, was pronounced dead by the LAFD paramedics and Diaz was transported to a near-by hospital in which he is in "stable condition." A man named Cisco Huijbregts was available on the scene when he heard several gunshots and provided help to the victims.  

The LAPD are requesting help in finding the suspect who is described as a Hispanic male of about 5'6'', 160 lbs and 21 years of age. The suspect is said to have been wearing dark clothing on the night of the incident. No arrests have been made. Anyone who has information regarding the ordeal is asked to contact the Hollywood Homicide Detectives Rolando Rodriguez or Chris Gable at 213-972-2910 or 213-972-2901. After-hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll-free number,1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with "LAPD." Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org. Tips may remain anonymous.