Van Opens Fire on Transient Camp Downtown; 1 Killed, 2 Wounded

Occupants of a passing van opened fire on a transients’ encampment under a downtown Los Angeles bridge early Sunday, killing one man and wounding two, police said.

Police did not know the motive for the shootings and no arrests had been made, Detective Al Gonzales said Sunday.

The name of the dead man was not available. He died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest, said Adelaida De La Cerda, a spokeswoman for County-USC Medical Center.

Angel Ramos, 25, was in serious but stable condition at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the back, De La Cerda said. Robert Hernandez, 26, was treated for three gunshot wounds to the right lower leg and released, she said.

The gunfire began about 3 a.m. as the van traveled on the connector road from 3rd and Flower streets to Hope Street, Gonzales said.

On a dirt embankment on the east side of the road, sheltered by an overpass and shielded on the north and south by trees and flowers, squatters had created a makeshift home.

At least six sleeping spots, with carefully delineated borders, had been set up. Next to each “bed”--a faded, soiled mattress; some wooden pallets; several rolled-up rugs--were neat stacks of possessions.

News of the shooting did not surprise other transients gathering nearby later in the day. “Any time you walk through this bridge, people will throw bottles and cans,” said Orlando Padilla, 41.

“I just don’t sleep out. I go in the parks, by the trees and bushes; I hide,” Padilla said. “It’s not that the bridges aren’t safe. People aren’t safe.”

Hours after the shooting, the camp where the man was killed was deserted.

From one bed, which appeared to be the type of floor mat commonly placed under office desks, a large circle of drying blood trickled onto the dirt. A newspaper advertisement of a bikini-clad model was taped to the cement side of the bridge.

To one side, a cardboard box was stuffed with old clothes, a Spanish-language magazine with a cover advertising tales of death and a Gideon Bible.

Vials of painkillers with prescriptions made out to Robert Hernandez and Johnny B. McLoud were also tucked inside.

Two scuffed, frayed black loafers with tassels were set next to the mat.

Near the bed, an open suitcase displayed a Salvation Army medal. Arranged on a piece of wood serving as a shelf were deodorant, conditioner and hair-styling gel. A pair of athletic shoes, laces tied, were placed in front.