19-Year-Old Killed In Shooting Outside South LA Rec Center
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A 19-year-old man was shot and killed while standing outside a recreation center late Thursday night.
"I heard like 5-6 shots but I never think that was happening in the park," said neighbor Gabriela Aricmendi.
The shooting occurred on the basketball court outside Trinity Recreation Center in the 2400 block of Trinity Street at about 10:45 p.m., according to Los Angeles police.
"It was crazy cause that could've been me," said Albert Pagan, who saw the victim at the court before the shooting. "If I would have stayed longer, it could have been me basically. It was scary knowing that happened."
Police said the victim was standing with a friend when two cars drove into the parking lot from opposite directions, and suspects in both cars opened fire.
The man was struck and wounded. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died, police said. His name was not released. Police believe the man was struck by a stray bullet.
Both cars fled in opposite directions. There was no word of any other injuries.
Residents said that the area has seen crime before but with this latest shooting parents are concerned their children may be the next ones to be caught in the crossfire.
"It gets me worried because I came here with my kids," said Aricmendi. "I have four kids and it's dangerous."
It's unclear if investigators have any surveillance video of the shooting. Police are unsure of the motive behind the shooting and said they do not have evidence that this incident was gang-related.
"I don't come out alone," said Aricemendi's daughter Arlette Palomera. "I don't like coming out a lot. I don't go anywhere by myself in this neighborhood.