A murder suspect remains on the loose in Lompoc after a shooting leaves an innocent bystander, a 17-year-old girl, dead.
What is now being called a gang-related shooting began with a driveby in the 600 block of West Ocean Avenue and Walnut Avenue alleyway around 7:40 p.m. Monday.
Lompoc police say an unknown shooter or shooters opened fire on a known gang member who was walking in the alley near the Ocean Avenue apartments.
The adult male victim, who has not been identified, was shot in the leg and ran into the apartment complex area.
A 17-year-old girl, who was babysitting her siblings in their apartment, heard the commotion and stepped outside. That’s when police say she was fatally struck by gunfire.
Police say the teenage girl was an innocent bystander and has no associations with the gang member. Her name has not been released.
“This is something that we deal with unfortunately at different times in our careers. Our whole focus right now is working this investigation through and finding out who is responsible for this and holding them accountable. This wears on anybody that has to deal with this stuff — and the majority of us are parents. And you hate to see this kind of thing happen,” said Lompoc Police Sergeant Kevin Martin.
The man who shot was taken to a local hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown.
The police department says they have no suspect information at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Arias at Lompoc PD or you can provide information via the Lompoc Police Department’s mobile app.
A 17-year-old girl who was babysitting was struck and killed by gunfire at a Lompoc apartment complex Monday night.
Posted by KSBY on Monday, March 4, 2019
