LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are searching for a suspect after a man was fatally shot in Santa Monica early Sunday morning.
The Santa Monica Police Department has identified the suspect as Fabian Mendez, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
The shooting occurred on January 15 in the 200 block of Broadway at approximately 1:30 a.m. According to police, the victim, described only as a man in his 30s believed to be homeless, was involved in an argument with an unidentified woman shortly before the incident.
Mendez allegedly approached the victim during the altercation, chased him into the middle of the street, and then shot him in the back. Officers responding to the scene found the victim lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mendez is described as a Hispanic man, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 280 pounds, with noticeable tattoos on his forearms, including the word “Zamora” in large letters.
“If located, do not approach or engage the suspect,” the Santa Monica Police Department said in a statement. “Please call 9-1-1 when safe to do so.”
The victim’s identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have information about Mendez’s whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be directed to Detective Reyes at 310-458-4852 or by email at [email protected], or to Detective Sergeant Lozano at 310-458-8774 or [email protected].
The public can also reach the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are continuing to pursue leads in the case.
