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Crime & Safety

New Details on Silver Lake Road Rage Suspect

Police released new details and a sketch of the suspect wanted in the shooting of Juan David Vasquez Loma.

Police released a composite sketch of the suspect wanted in the shooting of 20-year-old Juan David Vasquez Loma Friday and revealed more details about the incident.

Loma was shot in the head shortly after 5 a.m. on Aug. 7 while driving on Silver Lake Boulevard near Scott Place. He was declared brain dead and taken off life support on Aug. 14.

The suspect is a Hispanic male in his mid-20s with dark hair and dark eyes. Police say the weapon used was a .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

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Loma wasn’t alone in his car. Three of his coworker’s were riding in the passenger seats and they witnessed his death, according to Lt. John Cook of the LAPD Northeast Detective Division.

The shooter also had a passenger in his car.

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“We know there was a female in the suspect’s vehicle. At this point in time we don’t have any information on her yet. But the shooter was certainly the driver,” said Lt. Cook in an interview with Patch.

Lt. Cook detailed what happened in the moments before Loma was shot.

“The victim’s vehicle was behind the suspect’s vehicle at a stop light and chose to pass it,” said Lt. Cook. “The assumption is that it infuriated the … suspect.” Loma apparently continued driving northbound along Silver Lake Boulevard, but then slowed down to allow the shooter’s car to pass him.

“When the victim’s vehicle slowed down, that’s when the suspect’s vehicle came alongside and there was a gun shot,” said Lt. Cook. “The vehicles were both moving.”

Police also believe that Loma and his shooter had no prior contact.

“It appears to be a road rage incident, however the investigation is ongoing. Should we come in contact with the suspect, the motive could very well change,” said Lt. Cook.

“The investigation is at a standstill. … We’re making an appeal to the public to help,” said Lt. Cook.

The suspect was driving a dark green Honda Civic (2000-2005 model) with tinted windows and tail lights similar to the photo in the Crime Alert pictured right.

 

If you have any information, please contact the police:

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS

Or, text Crimestoppers with a cell phone by texting CRIMES (274637). Messages should begin with “LAPD.

To submit a tip online, go to LAPDOnline.org and click on “webtips.”

Or, call Northeast Detectives J. Carrillo or L. Burcher at 213-847-4261 during the week.

During non-business hours and weekends, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7

 

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