AZUSA >> A gunman fatally shot an Azusa man as he walked to work early Friday during what officials said appeared to have been a robbery gone awry.
The victim, 37, was hospitalized in “extremely critical” condition following the 4:37 a.m. shooting at Azusa Avenue and Russell Street, Azusa police Officer Mike Bires said in a written statement.
He succumbed to his injuries Friday afternoon, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said. His name was not available pending positive identification by coroner’s officials and notification of his family.
“Based on the initial investigation it appears the shooting might have been the result of an attempted street robbery,” Bires said.
The victim himself called police to report being shot, the lieutenant said. No other witnesses reported hearing or seeing the shooting.
Officers responded to report of a shooting when the found the victim lying wounded on a grass parkway between the street and sidewalk along the north side of Russell Street, just east of Azusa Avenue, officials said.
Paramedics took the gravely wounded man to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, Corina said.
“The victim was able to make some statements before he went unconscious,” Corina said.
But other than indicating he had been shot during a robbery, the lieutenant declined to discuss what the victim said.
It was not clear if anything had been stolen from the man.
No suspect description or further details were released as detectives continued pursuing leads, Corina said.
The victim was on his way to work when he was shot, Corina said.
“He was on his way to a friend’s house to drive to work together, he added.
Investigators turned to the public for help.
“Since Azusa Avenue is a main thoroughfare through Azusa, there may have been witnesses to this crime,” Bires said.
Once the victim died from his injuries, police turned the investigation over the detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. Handling investigators could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.
Anyone with information can reach the bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.