Longtime street vendor fatally shot
A longtime street vendor who sold tamales in a Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles was fatally shot in an apparent robbery attempt, and police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives.
Cosme Gonzalez, 46, was found on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Witmer Street with a gunshot wound to the chest. He died during surgery at a local hospital, police said.
Police said the gunman demanded money and when Gonzalez refused to comply, he was shot. After the shooting, the assailant -- described as a man in his 20s, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall and about 155 pounds, with a shaved head -- was seen running west between buildings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rampart homicide Dets. Jeff Cortina or John Motto at (213) 484-3650. After hours or on weekends, calls are taken at (877) 527-3247. Tips can also be submitted on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org. All information can be given anonymously.
-- Esmeralda Bermudez
when did the shooting take place?
Posted by: sarah | February 28, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Another moment of disgrace from Ventura County's finest. People like this assailant make me embarrassed to be from Westlake. Why can't we raise people with values and goals???
Posted by: Kate | February 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM
WTF? Was he black, white, hispanic or asian.
Yikes what good does this description do?
Posted by: Tor | February 28, 2009 at 01:16 PM
A street parasite murders a man working for a modest living. Disgusting.
Posted by: William Combs | February 28, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Shaved head, 5'5", in his 20's? Oh, he should be easy to find.
Posted by: Tom B. | February 28, 2009 at 02:05 PM
why does anyone want to live in los angles?
Posted by: sam smith | February 28, 2009 at 06:14 PM
It's amazing to me that this is the only comment. I'm ashamed of a COMMUNITY that cares so little about a popular, hard-working, innocent member that no one will comment on his death. He was defending his property and taking a stand against the forces that diminish this Community. Does anyone out there know anything about the killing or the killer? If you do, please contact your local law enforcement agency. Stand up for what is right, as Mr Gonzalez did !
Posted by: A Citizen | February 28, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I can't believe that cowardless individual could do something to a man trying to earn a living selling tamales. What is the world coming down to. I feel awful for what the family is going thru.
Posted by: LA Worker | March 03, 2009 at 09:22 AM