Craig Alexander Sykes, 45

Craig Sykes, a 45-year-old black man, was fatally shot Thursday, Dec. 16, in the 6400 block of South Arlington Avenue in Hyde Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Authorities received a call regarding a shooting and a person down about 9 p.m., said LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Det. L. Doster, who is handling the case.

Police arrived and found Sykes suffering from several gunshot wounds. Paramedics were called and he was taken to California Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, Doster said.

During the investigation, detectives learned that a black man wearing dark clothing walked up to Sykes, asked where he was from and shot him. After the shooting, the assailant fled.

Doster said although Sykes was not an active gang member, the shooting is possibly gang-related.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the identity of the assailant is asked to contact Dets.Doster or M. Kellum at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Sarah Ardalani