Gangs Face Off in S. Mission Beach Parking Lot

Members of two gangs faced off with guns in a South Mission Beach parking lot Saturday night, firing at least a dozen shots before the fight was broken up by police.

At least two men are believed to have been wounded in the gun battle, police spokesman Bill Robinson said.

The incident took place about 7 p.m. Saturday in the crowded beach parking lot at the southern end of Mission Boulevard. More than 100 people were in the lot when the two groups began arguing and shots rang out, Robinson said.

Two police officers patrolling nearby ran to the scene and called for more officers, Robinson said. A 9-millimeter pistol and a .357 Magnum were recovered at the scene, but no arrests were made, Robinson said.

About half an hour after the incident, a man checked into Physicians & Surgeons Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. He said he was an innocent bystander at the fight, Robinson said.

Later, another man arrived at Sharp Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds to the elbow and side. He said he had been shot in an incident in Southeast San Diego, but police believe he might also have been at the brawl in Mission Beach, Robinson said.

Neither man was arrested.

Robinson said it was not immediately known why the groups were fighting. The Police Department’s gang detail will continue the investigation today.