The Pomona Police Department has made an arrest in connection to the homicide that occurred in the 1400 block of S. Park Ave. in the early morning of Friday, September 20th, 2019. The victim, later identified as David Phillip Pena, was parked and sitting in his vehicle after a night of work when suddenly, a dark colored vehicle pulls along side David and stops. Without warning, the occupant(s) immediately begin firing at the victim, striking him several times. Immediately after, the victim’s vehicle was set on fire and the suspect(s) fled the scene.
Pomona Police Homicide Investigators began an extensive search for the suspect(s) responsible for this heinous crime. Investigators were able to identify 26-year-old La Habra resident, Gerardo Zendejas as a possible suspect.
On Thursday, September 26th, Pomona Police Special Investigations Unit and the Major Crimes Task Force responded to the City of La Habra and took Gerardo Zendejas into custody.
Zendejas was transported to the Pomona City Jail and booked for 187PC-Murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
***UPDATE***
CRIME: 187PC-Murder
VICTIM: Awaiting Positive Identification.
SUSPECT: Unknown
UNIT: Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit.
SUMMARY:
On 09/20/19, around 4:00AM Pomona Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of South Park Ave for reports of shots being fired and a vehicle on fire. Officers and LA County Fire Personnel arrived and the flames were quickly extinguished. As soon as the flames were extinguished the victim was discovered sitting in the driver seat burned beyond recognition.
Due to the suspicious nature, investigators with the Major Crimes Unit responded and immediately began their investigation. Evidence was located around the victims vehicle that suggested shots were fired near the vehicle. Arson investigators responded and are currently conducting their independent investigation.
Investigators from the LA County Coroners Office arrived and removed the victim from the vehicle. After the victim was removed investigators observed injuries on the victims upper torso that are possibly consistant with being shot.
Investigators believe the individuals who set fire to the vehicle may have also sustained burns over their bodies.We are asking for the publics help to try and identify the suspects who are responsible for this crime. If you know of anyone recently that may have unexplained injuries/burns, or if you have information regarding this incident you are ask to contact the Pomona Police Dept. at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE
At approx. 4:00 am this morning, Pomona Dispatch received calls of shots fired in the 1400 Blk of S. Park Ave. Additional callers reported a vehicle that was on fire in the street. With the assistance of LA County Fire Dept, the car fire was extinguished and a victim was located in the vehicle. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.
Please avoid this area as the street will be closed for several hours as part of this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
