18-year-old shot dead at popular Hollywood Taco stand

Sunday, October 17th, 2010 |

18-year-old shot dead at popular Hollywood Taco stand

LOS ANGELES – A popular Taco stand has become a murder scene following the
shooting death of 18-year-old Vartan Avatyan.

“Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigators are asking for the
public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for the shooting death
of a North Hollywood man,” LAPD said.
“On October 17, 2010, at about 12:40 a.m., 18-year-old Vartan Avatyan and
several of his friends where at a popular taco stand in the 7200 block of
Lankershim Boulevard. As they stood in the parking lot, a male Hispanic
walked up to the small gathering of friends and began shooting at Avatyan,
striking him several times,” police said.

“Avatyan was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but died
from his injuries a short time later.

“The suspect is believed to have left the location in a blue compact car.”

Police said they have very little information about a motive or a suspect.

“Detectives have very few leads in this case and are asking for anyone with
information to contact LAPD North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at (818)
623-4075. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers
by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a
cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters
can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.”

© 2010 VANCOUVERITE.

From: A. Papazian