Suspect in deadly Pico Rivera gas station shooting to be arraigned in Downey

PICO RIVERA — The 20-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy at a Pico Rivera gas station where his mother was working is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at the Downey Courthouse.

Andres Chavez, a Pico Rivera resident, was stopped in the 9500 block of Whittier Boulevard, between Passons Boulevard and the San Gabriel River, at 5:50 p.m. Thursday by sheriff's deputies and arrested, according to the sheriff's department.

Chavez was arrested without incident and booked at the Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station on murder charges. He is being held on $2 million bail, court records show.

Chavez stands accused of fatally shooting 13-year-old Saith Toledo Mendez at a Pico Rivera gas station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard at 11:45 p.m. Saturday. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff Robert Luna held a news conference earlier Thursday, seeking the public's help in tracking down Chavez.

The teen had been waiting in his mother's car for her to finish her shift, but went inside the station to speak with her. He then walked out and past Chavez, who had exited the sedan and was lingering about the station, Luna said.

"Unprovoked, suspect Chavez drew a firearm, took several steps toward Saith and shot him at close range," Luna said. Clara watched, he said, as the gunman shot her child "in the back without prior interaction."

After the boy collapsed, the suspect allegedly stood over him and fired multiple rounds into him before fleeing on foot into a nearby residential area, Luna said. The driver of the tan car and a female passenger remained at the scene and were questioned and released pending further investigation.

Luna called the victim a youngster with "a bright, promising future" whose life was taken too soon. He was one of five children and enjoyed video games and playing basketball with friends.

Anyone with information regarding the case was asked to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.