South Los Angeles: Man, 18, shot in street

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Heriberto Mecina, an 18-year-old Latino man, was shot in the chest while playing soccer in the 2800 block of 3rd Avenue in South Los Angeles on Monday Dec. 8, 2008, authorities said.

Los Angeles police said Mecina was playing soccer in the street with a friend about 6:45 p.m. when he was approached by two male and three female Latinos, who began arguing with him. One of them pulled out a handgun and began firing at Mecina, according to a police news release.

He was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dets. Vince Carreon and Tyler Lee at (213) 485-1383.

-- Megan Garvey