2 Security Guards Recovering From Wounds From Shooting on PCH

Two 20-year-old security guards were recovering from gunshot wounds Friday, a day after a carload of youths fired three rounds of gunfire into their car during a traffic altercation on Pacific Coast Highway.

Police interviewed several witnesses to the Thursday evening rush-hour attack but no arrests have been made, said Police Officer Mike Corcoran.

Robert Willis of Buena Park and Francisco Barajas of Monterey Park were treated and released Thursday from Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. Willis suffered a bullet wound to his cheek and Barajas was shot in the shoulder.

“It’s just a case of someone driving along and, for whatever reason, they decided they didn’t like the way the victims were driving,” Corcoran said.

Police said Willis and Barajas were driving south on Pacific Coast Highway about 6:15 p.m. and were apparently not traveling fast enough for the youths behind them. A game of cat and mouse ensued.

At Brookhurst Street, one of the attackers yelled, “Move over! You rent-a-pigs!” just before shooting, according to police. They were apparently referring to the security guard uniforms the victims were wearing.

The security guards were not armed.

The assailants--four males and two females who appeared to be in their 20s--turned right at Brookhurst Street, Corcoran said, adding that the suspects apparently flashed a series of gang signs at the victims before the shootings.

Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to call (714) 536-5607.