Detectives release photo of man wanted in Norwalk homicide

NORWALK — Sheriff's homicide detectives Thursday released the name and image of a man suspected in the July shooting death of another man who was found fatally wounded after he crashed his vehicle in Norwalk.

The suspect was identified as Erick Velasco Rodriguez, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which also released a photo of his 2020 Silver Honda Civic with California license plate 9EMS438.

Deputies arrived to the 14000 block of Shoemaker Avenue about 12:25 a.m. on July 18 to find a vehicle, which had struck a planter and an electrical box behind the location, the Sheriff's Information Bureau reported.

The victim, whose name was not immediately available, was located in the driver's seat, suffering from numerous gunshot wounds to the upper body. Deputies immediately began lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived and rushed the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information regarding Rodriguez or the shooting was urged to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org.