Anthony Daniel Vargas, 21

Los Angeles, California
August 12, 2018

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 4 years ago

Overview

21-year-old Anthony Vargas was struck by gunfire shortly after 2 a.m. in a housing complex located on the corner of North Mednik Avenue and Floral Drive, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities were responding to a call about a man allegedly being robbed at gunpoint just before the deputy-involved shooting occurred. Two suspects in the reported robbery remain at large, authorities said.

While officials have not said whether Vargas was a robbery suspect, his family has said he was not involved in any sort of crime.

"My son's name — Anthony Daniel Vargas — will not be in vain," his mother, Lisa, said. "And he will not go down as this criminal out on the streets."

When law enforcement arrived to the scene of the alleged robbery, the victim directed them to a group of people at the apartment complex who started running away in different directions, authorities said.

Another sheriff’s unit was driving in the complex and came across a man in a courtyard who took off running and fell, Lt. Derrick Alfred told KTLA.

Deputies attempted to detain him, which is when a fight between them ensued, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Vargas was shot and pronounced dead, authorities said. His family said he had been attending a birthday party.  Vargas was shot 14 times, including twice in the head.

In September 2018, sheriffs admitted that Vargas may have been a mistaken suspect

Community and Family Efforts

Family and friends of Anthony Vargas held a protest in September 2018.