Police arrested the gunman behind a January homicide in Santa Monica, officials announced Sunday.
Officers with the Santa Monica Police Department arrested the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, on Feb. 11.
According to the department, the fatal shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 15 in the 200 Block of Broadway.
Shortly before the shooting, the victim, described only as a man in his 30s who is believed to be homeless, was seen arguing with an unidentified woman.
Mendez allegedly approached the victim and chased him into the middle of the street before shooting him in the back, authorities said.
Officers found the victim lying on the ground where he was pronounced dead, and Mendez fled the scene.
The victim’s identity was not immediately made available.
Before his capture in February, police issued an alert to the public, warning them to be on the look out for Mendez, who was considered armed and dangerous.
“If located, do not approach or engage the suspect,” police said. “Please call 9-1-1 when safe to do so.”
While the details remain limited on where or how Mendez was arrested, the department said it was through an extensive and thorough investigation that the gunman was taken into custody.
Mendez was charged with homicide and has a bail set at $3 million.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have further information on this case to contact either Det. Reyes at 310-458-4852 or email [email protected] or Det. Sergeant Lozano at 310-458-8774 or email [email protected].
The public can also call the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
