Drive-By Attack Kills Youth
An 18-year-old man was killed early Saturday after suspected gang members opened fire into a crowd of about 30 people gathered in the parking lot of a shopping center, police said.
Noel Avelar died after friends rushed him to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the chest. Three shots were fired at the crowd, but police said they knew of no other injuries.
The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. at a parking lot between a Jack in the Box restaurant and Amar Ranch Market in the 1300 block of West Edinger Avenue.
Investigator Terry Zlateff said anyone with information should call the Santa Ana Police Department’s gang detail at (714) 647-5165.
Avelar’s slaying represented the 23rd homicide in Santa Ana this year. There were 59 homicides in Santa Ana last year and 43 in 1990.
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