Driver Shot in the Back in Restaurant Parking Lot

A shooting between strangers in the parking lot of a restaurant Wednesday left an 18-year-old man in serious condition with possible paralysis below the waist, officials said.

Grant Lee of Buena Park was shot once in the back as he sat in the driver’s seat of his car about 4 p.m. Lee and two friends had just pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant at Orangethorpe Avenue and Beach Boulevard when they were confronted by a group of youths in a Honda, Police Sgt. Lloyd Schwengel said.

One of them, about 16 years old, began asking Lee and his friends questions such as, “Where are you from?” Schwengel said.

One passenger in Lee’s car got out and exchanged words with the youth before getting back in. The youth then crouched behind the Honda and fired four rounds, striking Lee, Schwengel said, adding that Lee lost all feeling below the waist.

The victim was taken to UCI Medical Center, where he was in surgical intensive care. A nursing supervisor said Lee was still undergoing tests but his condition was “at least serious, if not worse.”

The assailant fled in the tan Honda.

Police said Lee and his passengers are not affiliated with any gang.