Los Angeles County and other officials identified the two people arrested in a recent shooting as gang members who targeted random people.
In a news conference, Capt. Andrew Meyer of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the men, 42-year-old Gary Jonathan Garcia and 20-year-old Wayne McNeely Timberland, shot four people in Bell, Huntington Park, Cudahy and unincorporated Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday.
“It appears this was a random murder spree; however, homicide investigators have not ruled anything out,” Meyer said.
The motive remains unknown and interviews are still underway, but Meyer confirmed that one of the men was arrested in San Bernardino County by deputies and another was taken into custody at a Compton home by the LASD’s SWAT team.
Authorities did not identify which was the suspected shooter, though Timberland has no criminal history and Garcia “has an extensive criminal history,” Meyer said. The weapon they allegedly used remains at large.
Though Meyer was taciturn with many details, he did reveal that the suspects were identified by a Honda Pilot that was seen at all four scenes and was then spotted by a San Bernardino County deputy. The license plate was the same in each instance, he said.
Though two of the attacks took place near schools, Bell Mayor Fidencio Gallardo reiterated that there is no threat to students.
“These shootings were not school-related. It is safe to go to school,” he said.
Supervisor Janice Hahn praised investigators for their quick work.
“Because of this really good police work, we can assure our Southeast Los Angeles community that there is no active threat to their neighborhoods,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said.
While there is not an expected threat, officials did say they believe a third person could be involved.
“As they say, if you see something, say something,” Meyer said.
