Charalambos “Bob” Antonelos, a 61-year-old white man, was fatally shot Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor City, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m., Antonelos was working behind the counter at his restaurant, Bob’s Hamburgers, when a man walked in and began shooting at another person who was standing on the other side of the counter, said Los Angeles Police Det. David Cortez.
Antonelos was in the line of fire and was wounded, Cortez said.
Antonelos was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m.
The intended target, Louis Garcia, died at the scene.
Police identified the suspect through surveillance video, witness statements and gang intelligence, Cortez said.
Joey Mendoza, an 18-year-old Latino, and a gang member in the area, was arrested on suspicion of murder early the next morning at his parent’s house, Cortez said.
The shooting is believed to be the result of a dispute that occurred a few days earlier, Cortez said.
Antonelos was well known in the area. Customers told the Daily Breeze that Antonelos was known for giving away free food to those in need.
“He was really just a good man,” said Antonelos’ niece, Leticia Page. “He worked hard and he was finally going to retire. You never know. It’s just awful.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cortez at (310) 726-7889. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.
