(December 3, 2004) -- An exchange of gunfire in the 1300 block of West Willow St. (west of L.A. River, east of Santa Fe Ave.) has left a security guard dead and a 16-year old suspect wounded and in police custody.

LBPD says its officers were patrolling the area on Dec. 2 at roughly 10:30 p.m. when officers spotted a man on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Police say the victim, a security guard at a nearby business, and a suspect both exchanged gunfire for some unknown reason in the parking lot.

The security guard, 39 year old Noe Fernandez of L.A., was struck in the torso; the suspect was also struck in the exchange of gunfire but fled the scene.

LBFD paramedics transported Mr. Fernandez to a hospital where he later died. The suspect was taken into custody after he went to a local hospital seeking medical treatment for the gunshot wounds he sustained.

Police say the motive for the shooting is presently unknown.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Scott Lasch or Daniel Mendoza at (562) 570-7244.