Watch CBS News

LAPD Searches For Murder Weapon At La Brea Tar Pits

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Thursday were conducting a search at the La Brea Tar Pits in connection with an unsolved homicide.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirms to CBS2 that a gang homicide unit received a tip about a murder weapon near the museum, which is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd.

KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports LAPD Dive Supervisor David Mascarenas said the dive was comparable to swimming in "thick pudding."

Search For Murder Weapon Underway At La Brea Tar Pits

"It was like super glue almost," Mascarenas said. "Once I touched it, I felt like I was stuck and I had to continually roll my body parts to move it out, 'cause if I pulled straight, I was stuck."

Mascarenas - who was diving for more than an hour - had to be decontaminated after a leak was reportedly found in his suit, according to Peschiutta.

In his 16 years with the force, Mascarenas said he had never experienced a dive like the one he performed Thursday.

"A boat had to push me to the areas where I was going to have to submerge," he told KCAL9, noting the danger involved.

"Someone had to do it," he added. "You know, it is my job."

The search is likely related to what the LAPD said is a case from as recent as 2011.

Detectives are not releasing further details about the search, citing an open investigation.

"They have concluded the search at this time and we're not going to reveal any findings at this point in order to not jeopardize the investigation," LAPD Lt. Andy Newman said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.