About 200 police officers are searching the Los Angeles area today for Raul Garcia-Gomez, suspected in the Sunday morning ambush slaying of Denver Detective Donald Young, after the suspect’s car was found abandoned there.
Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman and Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said today that six Denver detectives and two Denver prosecutors – Lamar Sims and Chuck Lepley – have joined in the Los Angeles manhunt.
Numerous locations in Los Angeles are being searched, officials said. Last night a Los Angeles house was searched pursuant to a search warrant.
The car that the 19-year-old Garcia-Gomez was driving was found in Los Angeles, Whitman said today, confirming earlier news reports.
Some sources have told investigators that the Mexican national, who was employed as a dishwasher at The Cherry Cricket restaurant and bar, 2641 E. Second Ave., may have fled to Mexico. But Whitman said he believes the suspect is “probably on the West Coast.”
“He may have plans to bounce back here (Denver),” Whitman added, noting that Garcia-Gomez has friends and relatives in Denver.
Whitman said that in addition to Los Angeles police and prosecutors, his officers are working closely with the FBI and Mexican authorities. He also said that if anyone is harboring Garcia-Gomez, he hopes they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
The chief indicated that more reward money will probably be offered for tips leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Morrissey said that whether he will seek the death penalty in the case is still a decision months away. He said that decision is usually made 30 to 60 days after the preliminary hearing for the suspect.
Morrissey said four prosecutors responded to the shooting scene early Sunday at the Salon Ocampo social hall, 1733 W. Mississippi Ave., when Young and fellow detective John Bishop were shot.
Bishop, protected by a bulletproof vest, is recovering. Both were shot from behind.
Morrissey said that he is hopeful that there will be peaceful resolution to the situation, with Garcia-Gomez turning himself in.
“There is no need for more violence in this situation,” Morrissey said. But he cautioned that Garcia-Gomez is still considered armed and dangerous.
