Gang Member Shot Twice; 12 Arrested

A 19-year-old Pacoima gang member was in stable condition Saturday after being shot twice in a North Hollywood drive-by shooting that later resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of four automobiles and four guns, Los Angeles police said.

Lt. Stuart Maislin said the victim was shot in the left thigh and the left side of his chest about 11:45 p.m. Friday in the 7100 block of Case Avenue. Maislin said the victim’s name was not released because police fear that rivals of the gunmen, who witnesses told police were driving a blue Mustang, may retaliate.

Friends took the shooting victim to Pacifica Hospital in Sun Valley. A nursing supervisor said Saturday he was in stable condition.

About an hour after the shooting, Burbank police officers saw a blue Mustang, similar to the one driven by the gunmen, near the intersection of Sherman Way and Vineland Avenue, Maislin said.

The officers said they saw a passenger throw a gun out of the car. Police recovered a loaded .38-caliber revolver, stopped the car and arrested four adults. Maislin said the suspects were being held on suspicion of attempted murder at the North Hollywood Jail.

About 1:20 a.m. Saturday, Los Angeles Foothill Division police were informed of shots being fired near Del Sur Street and Haddon Avenue in Pacoima. When police arrived, they saw seven young males dressed in gang clothing standing around three automobiles, Maislin said. An eighth gang member was hiding behind a tree, police said.

Police arrested four juveniles and four adults and seized three cars and three guns, Maislin said.