Man Killed, 2 Wounded in Koreatown Shooting

A business dispute at a billiard parlor in Koreatown erupted in gunfire Thursday afternoon, leaving one man dead and two wounded, police and witnesses said.

One man staggered almost a block before collapsing at the doorway of a dry-cleaning shop. The other two were found inside Nice Q Billiards at 3388 W. 8th St.

Detectives said they weren’t sure what led to the violence, but Charlie Lee, owner of a car repair shop across the street, said employees of the billiard parlor told him that the current and previous owners had been arguing when the shooting started about 3:30 p.m. Lee said the employees told him that both were shot and that the third victim was a billiard supply salesman who happened to be in the parlor.

More than six hours later, detectives said they were still trying to sort out who did the shooting and whether the gunman had turned the weapon on himself.

One man died at the hospital, one was in critical condition and the other was hospitalized with less serious wounds, Los Angeles Police Capt. Pat Findley said. Police had not released their names or said which man had died.

Patrick Choi, owner of a car sales agency across the street, said the former owner of the billiard parlor had told him several days ago that the current owner wanted to get rid of some furniture and other belongings that had been left behind. Choi said the former owner was there Thursday to remove a desk and other furniture.

“I can’t imagine what kind of business dispute would lead to a shooting,” Choi said.