YAKIMA, Wash. -- A gang-related shooting has become the 10th homicide this year in Yakima County.

Leonardo A. Perez, 20, died Tuesday morning from his injuries after being shot late Monday during a confrontation in northeast Yakima, police said.

Police said Perez, who was shot once in the chest, was a known gang member who lived in Yakima.

The incident began when officers responded to a report of a fight about 10:30 p.m. Monday in the 1000 block of North Naches Avenue. The shooting reportedly took place a block away in the 1000 block of North Fourth Street.

Officers stopped a vehicle that was leaving the scene at high speed and found a gun in the car. The male driver was taken into custody on a gun-related charge. The incident may not be related to Monday night’s shooting, police said.

Yakima County’s homicide rate may eclipse what was seen last year. As of May 2008, there were seven homicides in the county and 18 total for the year.

The Perez homicide investigation is continuing, and anyone with information should call Yakima police at 509-575-6200.