LOSE ANGELES (KTLA) – Six people, including one suspect, were injured when gunfire erupted in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles and detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating two additional persons of interest.
The violence unfolded at around 1 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 600 block of South Alvarado Street, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives said the gunman walked up to a group of people and opened fire, striking five of them before also being hit by gunfire as well.
Medical personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and rushed three of the victims to the hospital in stable condition. Three others, including the gunman, were also taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition.
As investigators gathered evidence and questioned witnesses and victims, they determined that there were two additional shooters during the incident that they are attempting to locate.
“It is unknown at this time if they were shooting at each other or if the gunfire was directed only toward the victims,” the release noted.
Authorities said the identity of the suspect in custody is being withheld pending the investigation.
In a statement, L.A. Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that extra patrols would focus on the Westlake neighborhood where the violence broke out.
“Today, the Mayor and I are surging resources to this area to enforce a Zero Tolerance policy on crime – if you break the law, you will be arrested,” the statement read. “Please know that my top priority is keeping you safe, and I will continue to hold anyone who threatens your sense of security accountable.”
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact LAPD’s Rampart Area detectives at 213-484-3660. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
