6 Wounded in Shootout After Fight at Party

Six people suspected of being gang members were wounded in a shootout in the Mid-City area early Monday in an incident that sent patrons at a nearby bar scrambling for cover, authorities said.

The gunfire erupted in the 5000 block of Pico Boulevard about 1:30 a.m. after a fight broke out at a large party.

Two women and four men--ages 24 to 35--were injured. Two of the men were in critical condition after surgery, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman said.

Police did not release names of the victims. No arrests have been made, but detectives were continuing to interview the victims and others who attended the gathering, police said.

A witness who identified himself as bar manager at the Cottage, across the street from the shootout, said he heard what he initially thought were firecrackers. Then, as the noise continued, the manager said he and patrons realized they were hearing gunshots, and they took cover.

Police said investigators recovered many spent shell casings from the street.