By Brian Hews
A man has been shot and killed in Downey early Tuesday morning, in what police officials believe is related to a known area gang.
According to Lt. Mark McDaniel, Downey Police officers found a male inside of a vehicle who “appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds.”
McDaniel said that at 1:32 a.m., the Downey Police Department received a 911 call of shots heard in the 11600 block of Bellflower Blvd.
When they responded to the location, McDaniel said that officers located a male inside of a vehicle who had been shot several times.
McDaniel told Hews Media Group-Community Newspaper that the victim has been identified as Wayne Patrick Cooper, 36, and that he was “a known gang member.” Cooper was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“Detectives from the homicide unit are investigating this crime and at this time it is believed to be gang related,” McDaniel said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Downey Police Department at (562) 904- 2308, Detective Paul Hernandez at (562) 904-2368, or Detective Steve Aubuchon at (562) 904-2361.
To provide information ANONYMOUSLY, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or by texting the letters TIPLA, plus, to CRIMES (274637) or by using the website.