Costa Mesa man suspected in slaying

Police are searching for Pedro Garcia, 28, in connection with Saturday shooting death of 21-year-old. Police were searching Tuesday for the man they believe is responsible for the shooting death of a 21-year-old Costa Mesa man.

Pedro Gallegos Garcia, 28, of Costa Mesa, is suspected of gunning down Hermes Rodriguez during a fight near Hamilton Street and Wallace Avenue on Costa Mesa’s Westside on Saturday.

Garcia may be in the area and may be armed and dangerous, police said.

The shooting occurred during a fight between several men outside a house party, said Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Bob Ciszek.

Rodriguez and another man were reportedly fighting when Garcia came out of the party and intervened.

More people joined in the fight, and as Rodriguez escaped from the struggle, he was shot from behind, Ciszek said.

“He was shot as he was running away,” Ciszek said.

Witnesses said Garcia was the shooter, Ciszek said.

Paramedics treated Rodriguez and took him to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he died.

The street where the shooting occurred was empty Tuesday. Fluorescent pink spray paint marked the still-visible splatters of Rodriguez’s blood.

A memorial -- with a photograph and with prayer candles burning -- was displayed in the driveway where Rodriguez collapsed.

Rodriguez’s family said Rodriguez did not know the man suspected in the shooting.

“No, we don’t know him,” said Rodriguez’s cousin, Brenda Ramirez. “Not even my cousin knew him.”

Although Rodriguez’s family didn’t know Garcia personally, they had seen him dropping a child off at a nearby school, Ramirez said.

Ramirez said Garcia may have lived at the apartment where the house party took place Saturday night.

Police said Tuesday they were continuing to investigate the crime and were searching for Garcia.

The gun used in the shooting has not been found, police said. Anyone who sees Garcia should call 911, Ciszek said.

“I don’t know that they [the residents] should be afraid, but obviously they should be cautious if they see him,” Ciszek said.

Rodriguez’s family is planning services for today and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Harbor Lawn Mount Olive Mortuary and Park, 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa. The family is still trying to raise money to pay for the burial. Donations are being accepted at 2061 Wallace Ave., Apartment D, Costa Mesa.

Garcia is described as about 5 feet 10 and about 220 pounds. He has short black hair and a mustache.