San Diego

Police are investigating the shooting of a Santa Ana man who gave a ride to three other men who were apparently running for their lives.

Antonio Sodia, 29, was shot in the face and arm after he gave a ride to three men who were being chased by two gunmen in East San Diego.

Sodia was driving with his girlfriend, whose identity was unavailable, in the City Heights area when he spotted the chase, said police spokesman Bill Robinson.

The three men asked Sodia for a ride, but he said no. He then drove around the block and dropped off his girlfriend at a convenience store, Robinson said.

Sodia returned to the scene alone and picked up the three men. Then one of the two gunmen fired a shot through the car window, striking Sodia, Robinson said.

The exact location of the shooting has not been determined, but police found a .22-caliber cartridge near the 4400 block of University Avenue, Robinson said.

Sodia was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center. Robinson said Sodia is listed in stable condition, but a hospital spokeswoman said she could not release any information because she had not confirmed the identity of the victim.