Family, Friends Wash Cars To Raise Funds For Slain Man's Funeral
DIAMOND BAR (CBSLA.com) — The friends and family of a man shot and killed after an argument with an off-duty, rookie LAPD officer gave up part of their Sunday to raise money for a proper burial.
It was a labor of love as the friends and family of Salome Rodriguez Jr., rolled up their sleeves, washing cars to raise money for a funeral for their friend and brother.
"I was devastated," Nathan Guerrero, one of Rodriguez's friends, told CBS2's Adrianna Weingold. "I wouldn't think that would ever happen, someone protecting us us, tragic to the family and they're very down right now."
Rodriguez was gunned down outside of a Pomona bar on March 13 after allegedly getting into a fight with former Marine and now-fired LAPD officer Henry Solis. Solis is now wanted for murder. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
"Who would think someone that's protecting and serving us would do something like that," said Joe Villalobos, another friend of Rodriguez.
Back at the car wash, former colleagues from Macy's and Williams Sonoma said Rodriguez was a good guy, a solid worker, a dear friend who is sorely missed.
"Right now it's just, it's unexpected, especially with him being this young, they're just trying to keep it together," said Villalobos.
Solis, meanwhile, is still on the loose. He's considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the FBI.
The search for Solis is now focused on Texas and Mexico, according to the FBI, which said Friday that the suspect was driven to El Paso, Texas, by his father last week.