Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Toppenish- manhunt for three gang members in homicide

TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Toppenish police say they are looking for three gang members in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Toppenish man this weekend.

Ladislado Avila died after being struck in the head by a single bullet as he was driving in the 600 block of Washington Avenue early Saturday, authorities said. He crashed his car into a tree after being shot.

Three friends of the victim who were in the car told police that someone in a car that was following them fired a gun toward them, according to the news release.

Police are seeking three known gang members as persons of interest, but a news release issued Monday afternoon did not elaborate on how they may be tied to the incident.

Police said the men -- a 19-year-old Toppenish man and two 20-year-old men from Zillah -- should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators are also seeking a newer silver Chrysler 300 in connection with the shooting. The car had chrome rims.

An initial news release described the suspect vehicle as a teal or gray Honda. It fled south on Elm Street, police said.

Anyone with information about the case may call the police department at 509-865-4355.

The death is the 22nd homicide reported this year in Yakima County.

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/07/toppenish-killing-sparks-hunt-for-three-gang-members

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