Suspect sought in horrific Pico Rivera gas station shooting: 'We need this guy off the streets'
Public's help sought in Pico Rivera murder
The search is on for 20-year-old Andres Chavez, the suspected gunman accused in the horrific shooting of 13-year-old Saith Mendez.
PICO RIVERA, Calif. - A community continues to grieve as the search continues for Andres Adan Chavez, the suspect accused in the horrific shooting of a teen boy at a gas station in Pico Rivera.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Chavez is considered "armed and dangerous."
Teen killed in ‘unprovoked’ shooting while waiting for his mother
What we know:
On Saturday, Aug. 23 around 11:30 p.m., authorities said 13-year-old Saith Israel Toledo Mendez was with his mother while she was working a night shift as an attendant at the 76 gas station off Whittier and Rosemead boulevards.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Teen fatally shot at Pico Rivera gas station while waiting for mother to finish shift; suspect on the run
The teen boy got out of his family's vehicle and decided to go into the gas station to talk to his mother, Sheriff Luna explained. After he walked out of the gas station, a tan, four-door vehicle drove into the gas station and parked next to a gas pump. The driver of the tan car then got out of the vehicle, approached the service window and began speaking with the victim's mother.
"The suspect remained in the car and was seen exiting the rear passenger seat and lingering around the area," Luna added.
Mendez then walked back toward the gas station, passing the suspect without engaging.
"From what we can tell, there was no confrontation between them before the shooting occurred," Luna said.
LASD seeks help finding suspect in gas station shooting
The search is on for 20-year-old Andres Chavez accused in an unprovoked shooting at a Pico Rivera gas station that left a teen dead.
A short time later, tragedy struck.
"Unprovoked, the suspect drew a firearm, took several steps toward Saith and shot him at close range," Luna said.
When Mendez collapsed to the ground, the suspect "proceeded to stand over him and fired multiple rounds into the teen."
Following the shooting, investigators said Chavez ran away from the gas station and into a neighborhood in the area.
When deputies arrived, they began lifesaving efforts. Despite lifesaving efforts from arriving first responders, the young victim died from his injuries.
What do we know about the victim?
Saith was described as a "bright light" who had "a bright and promising future."
He was one of five children with three adult siblings and a younger sister. He liked playing video games and basketball with kids in the neighborhood.
Sheriff Luna said his mother was at Thursday's press conference but was too devastated to speak publicly. "We're so sorry for your tremendous loss," Luna said.
What do we know about the suspect?
Andres Adan Chavez is at large and the LASD said he is a convicted felon related to crimes committed in Kern County.
"Based on suspect Chavez's violent actions and willingness to use a firearm without provocation, he should be considered armed and dangerous," Luna said.
"This is completely unacceptable. We need to get this guy off the streets," Luna added.
The sheriff also explained what happened to the two people who were in the vehicle with the suspect.
"The driver of the tan vehicle and a female passenger remained at the scene and were detained for questioning," Luna said. "They were later released pending further investigation."
Search continues for gunman in separate gas station shooting
Dig deeper:
The tragedy happened just 2 miles from where a man was shot and killed at another gas station in Pico Rivera off Washington and Passons boulevards on Aug. 21.
PREVIOUS: Man shot dead at Pico Rivera gas station
The search for that shooter also continues, though detectives said the proximity is just a coincidence, and they do not believe the two gas station shootings are related.
It's not clear what led to the fatal shots, but detectives are reviewing surveillance footage as they work to piece it all together.
What you can do:
If you see Chavez, you are asked not to approach him and to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information about either investigation should call the LA Sheriff's Department or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.