Teen Hurt in Attack After Party

A 16-year-old San Clemente youth was hospitalized after he was attacked by a gun-toting 16-year-old after a party in Laguna Niguel early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Several shots were fired at the victim, who was listed in stable condition at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center with head wounds, according to Lt. Randy Blair of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “At this time we don’t know if the injuries suffered by the youth were from gunshots or if he was beaten,” Blair said.

Deputies arrested a 16-year-old boy who was seen running from the area. He was being held at Juvenile Hall on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Police were unable to disclose whether any weapon was recovered.

Numerous residents reported hearing shots, and several reported seeing a white car ram a blue car about 3 a.m. on Mariposa near Cabot Road, Blair said.

When deputies arrived, they found numerous shell casings from a 9-millimeter gun. They also found a car with damage to a window and the trunk. Authorities believe that the car belongs to the hospitalized 16-year-old, they said.

One neighbor said she was awakened by gunfire, which she said seemed to be taking place right above her residence.

“I heard about 10 gunshots early in the morning. And it wasn’t the first time I’ve heard gunshots in this neighborhood,” said Ava DiDanato, who said the area had been a quiet one.

Investigators said they believe that both victim and his assailant had attended a party in the neighborhood.