Suspected Gang Members Attack 3 Lancaster Residents

Three Lancaster residents were beaten by a mob of alleged gang members and then shot in front of their family’s home, authorities said Sunday.

Christina Lujan, 21, and her brother Andy Clark, 18, were treated for gunshot injuries at Antelope Valley Hospital and released, according to the Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Station.

The third victim, Lujan’s 21-year-old husband, Peter, remained hospitalized with a gunshot wound and was reported in good condition Sunday evening, according to an Antelope Valley Hospital spokesperson.

The shooting occurred about 10:20 p.m. Saturday in the 1200 block of West Avenue H-12, said Sgt. Dan Belland of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

Peter Lujan was driving his wife, their baby and Clark to Lujan’s father-in-law’s house when he noticed a group of males standing on the street corner, Belland said. The group of 10 to 12 males, mostly Latino, were believed to be gang members, officials said.

As Lujan slowed his vehicle because of dips in the road at the intersection, he glanced over at the suspects, Belland said. The group of males then followed Lujan’s car as he parked at his father-in-law’s home farther up the block.

Shortly after Christina Lujan took her baby inside the house, the group of men began hitting her husband and brother with shovels and their fists, authorities said. They also attacked Christina Lujan, who had rushed outside upon hearing the fighting.

At one point, the three victims attempted to flee inside the house when one of the suspects shot them with a handgun, Belland said.

Peter Lujan suffered a gunshot wound to his right knee, in addition to lacerations to his head and chest, according to Belland. Clark received a gunshot wound to the back of his head, but the bullet did not penetrate his skull, according to the sergeant. Christina Lujan was shot in the left calf, he said.

None of the injuries was considered life-threatening, according to Belland.

Authorities do not believe the victims are gang-affiliated.

“Just people coming home on a Saturday night,” said Belland. “When [Peter Lujan] slowed down his car, these guys felt like he was staring at them. They chased him down the street and asked him what he was staring at.”

No suspects were in custody Sunday night, Belland said. The Lancaster gang unit is investigating.