L.A. Youth, 17, Dies After Being Shot in Confrontation Between Gangs in Santa Ana

A 17-year-old Los Angeles youth was shot to death early Sunday in the 300 block of South Minnie Street during what police described as a confrontation between gangs.

David Ortiz was pronounced dead at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange where he was taken by friends after the shooting, said Lt. Bob Chavez of the Santa Ana Police Department.

Ortiz was riding in the backseat of a car with gang members from Los Angeles on Minnie Street, Chavez said. The group got into a verbal confrontation with another gang at about 3:30 a.m. and shots were fired. At least one shot struck Ortiz, Chavez said.

The Minnie Street area has a reputation for being one of the city’s toughest, Chavez said, although progress is being made.

“It’s got a lot of gang problems . . . and a lot of narcotic activity,” Chavez said. “But we are working on it. We have a task force working in that area.”