Police On Hunt For Gunman Who Injured 3 In Lakewood Mall Shooting
LAKEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Three people were hit during a shooting Tuesday night in the parking lot of the Lakewood Center Mall.
Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene at approximately 8:49 p.m. after investigators say a person in a car got into an argument with a group of men.
Investigators tell KCAL9's Jeff Nguyen shots were fired from the car, resulting in stray bullets hitting two women who were taken to a local hospital.
A man was also shot. Investigators say the male victim drove himself to the hospital.
"We believe he may have been one of the individuals involved in the argument," L.A. County Sheriff's Department Capt. Merrill Ladenheim said.
Priscilla Watkins was working at Macy's when the gunshots were fired.
"People did not want to come outside. They were like, 'Can we go another way out?' Because we had to lock all the doors," she said.
Investigators say it remains unclear what type of car was involved in the shooting and they are working on a description of the shooter.
The sheriff's department says deputies are on constant patrol and the mall is equipped with an office that's manned by officers.
But shoppers like Bobbi Moore say they want to see deputies sitting in the patrol cars. And until then, she says she's being cautious.
"It's just a waste," she said. "Anytime you see a group of kids gathering then you need to watch your surroundings. Go the other way."
Rosemarie Marquez also said she's now skeptical about coming to the mall.
"I don't think I would come here by myself or - I probably wouldn't come here anymore. I'd rather go to a different mall," she said.
The three victims, whose named have not been released, are expected to recover from their injuries.
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