Man Shot in Parking Lot Altercation

A 23-year-old Costa Mesa man was shot outside a popular Balboa Peninsula nightclub after quarreling with a motorist over who should have the right of way in the parking lot.

Robert Joseph Whitaker was shot in the upper back Friday about 8:50 p.m. after he and a friend had visited Rumplestiltskin’s bar on McFadden Place, police said.

Police Sgt. Andy Gonis said Whitaker and his friend had been drinking at several places before visiting Rumplestiltskin’s, and when the two stepped into the parking lot they argued with a motorist over the right of way.

After a heated exchange, Whitaker reportedly chased the car and shattered the glass on the passenger’s side, police said. When Whitaker turned to run away, witnesses said the driver got out of the car and pulled out a chrome handgun, firing several shots.

One bullet struck Whitaker and another hit a 24-year-old woman, standing several hundred yards away and not involved in the altercation. The woman escaped injury when the bullet was apparently deflected by her leather coat.

Whitaker was airlifted to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, where he was later released. The woman, who was not identified by authorities, was also taken to the hospital for observation and released.

Police on Saturday were looking for a gray or black compact car with tinted windows.