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Gang violence sparked shooting that left 2 dead, LAPD says

Police tape marks the area where two people were killed in a shooting in South Los Angeles.
(Nicole Santa Cruz / Los Angeles Times)
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A shooting that left two people dead and one critically wounded in South Los Angeles was gang-related, police said Tuesday evening.

The violence broke out about 4 p.m. when a vehicle drove up to a group of men in the 2700 block of West 64th Street and at least one person opened fire, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

“There were a number of rounds fired,” Capt. Tom McMullen told The Times.

Two men in their mid 20s were slain, and the third victim was hit as he was running away. He was also in his mid-20s, police said.

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The LAPD declared a modified tactical alert in the South Bureau, which includes the Hyde Park neighborhood where the shooting occurred. All officers in the bureau must remain on duty until the alert is canceled.

“We need to hold our officers in order for the call load to be handled,” Officer Sally Madera said.

About 30 officers were at the scene Tuesday evening. McMullen said the area has been the scene of previous gang problems, including assaults and graffiti sprayed on walls.

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As officers gathered evidence, Soraya Carpio, a 38-year-old nanny, stood in her front yard watching people gathered on street corners. She has lived in the area for three years and said she hasn’t heard gunshots.

“This is new for me,” she said as a helicopter buzzed overhead.

Moments later, a group of men began fighting in the street before others pulled the men away from each other.

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Twitter: @LAJourno

robert.lopez@latimes.com

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