Five Youths Shot in Suspected Gang Incident in Chinatown

Four youths remained hospitalized Saturday after being wounded in a Chinatown shooting that police believe was gang-related. A fifth victim was released from Queen of Angels Hospital after being treated for a gunshot wound to his left leg.

The five boys--ranging in age from 11 to 16--were sitting on a bus bench in front of the Bank of America building at 850 N. Broadway when a car sped past and the occupants opened fire just before 11 p.m. Friday, Los Angeles Police Lt. James Darr said. The vehicle drove away, and none of the suspects was apprehended.

Police believe that the shooting resulted from a fight that took place earlier in the evening between groups of Latino and Oriental youths at a carnival being held at Castelar Elementary School to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Four of the wounded were Latinos and one was a black, police said. Witnesses told police that the assailants were Orientals.

Identities of the injured were withheld because they are juveniles. One who underwent surgery Friday night for a wound to his abdomen and left arm was reported in serious condition at Queen of Angels. The other three were in fair to stable condition at area hospitals.