3 to Be Charged in Drug Deal at Tow Yard, Police Say

Criminal charges are expected to be filed against three men who were shot and wounded over the weekend when a drug deal apparently turned sour at a Pacoima tow yard, Los Angeles police said Monday.

Mariano Meza, 22; Candalerio Chaidez, 24, and Manuel Chaidez, 50, will face one count each of conspiracy to sell narcotics, Detective Frank Bishop said. All three were wounded shortly before noon Saturday after a gunfight erupted at the tow yard in the 9900 block of San Fernando Road near Montague Street.

Bishop said the dispute appeared to be over a drug sale. An estimated $90,000 worth of cocaine was recovered at the scene as was an undisclosed amount of tar heroine, he said.

“They had the narcotics and somebody came in to take their drugs,” Bishop said. “The guns came out and both sides started shooting.”

Candalerio Chaidez was listed in good condition with bullet wounds to his arm and chest and Meza was also listed in good condition with a wound to his shoulder, Bishop said. Manuel Chaidez was listed in serious condition with multiple wounds to his upper body.

Police are investigating a fourth man, who turned up wounded at a local hospital, and has been listed in critical condition, Bishop said. As many as six other men are being sought in connection with the shooting.