Aug 14, 2007 10:02 pm US/Pacific
See A Tagger? Police Say Don't Confront Them
(CBS) PICO RIVERA, Calif. Authorities advised the public Tuesday not to confront taggers, in response to the fatal shooting of a Pico Rivera woman who flashed her car lights at one.
"We want to be contacted as soon as possible, with any kind of information -- license plate numbers or description of the suspects," sheriff's Deputy Johnnie Jones said. "Do not put yourself at any danger or risk because some of these folks can be very dangerous."
Maria Hicks, 58, flashed her vehicle lights and honked her horn at a male she saw tagging a wall at San Gabriel River Parkway and Woodford Street shortly before 10 on Friday night, said Deputy Maribel Rizo.
As she followed the tagger who was walking away from the wall, a gray compact car with an unknown number of male suspects, drove up behind her and someone fired several rounds at her, Rizo said.
Hicks died of a wound shortly before noon Monday, according to the sheriff's department.
Neighborhood residents repainted the wall where Hicks first saw the tagger and placed lit candles and flowers there.
No arrests have been made. The suspect is described as "very dangerous," according to NBC4.
Hicks was a grandmother of eight and described as a quiet and caring person.
Hicks "paid a high price for the idea of law and order," said Hicks’ brother, Ruben Quintero, an English literature professor at Cal State Los Angeles. "I think we shouldn't give up on that idea since she has already paid the price. We should hold onto this idea of being civilized."
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.