Freeway shooting injures Costa Mesa driver

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- A 23-year-old Costa Mesa man remained in serious

condition Monday after he was reportedly shot Saturday night while

driving on the freeway, police said.

The man, whose name police did not release, was driving with a

passenger in his car on the southbound Costa Mesa Freeway near the San

Diego Freeway interchange about 11:15 p.m. Saturday.

Police said a dark-colored Ford Expedition or Chevy Blazer pulled up

alongside the driver’s side of the victim’s car and someone from inside

shot at the victim with a handgun.

The victim was struck and began to lose consciousness, but the

passenger helped to control the vehicle and managed to stop it on the

freeway south of Bay Street, police said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery,

officials said. The passenger escaped without injuries. Both the victim

and the passenger had been at a party in Santa Ana before the shooting,

police said.

Investigators said they believe the shooting may be gang-related.

Police are still looking for the alleged shooter.

Anyone with information is asked to call Costa Mesa Police Det. Bob

Fate at (714) 754-5313.

* Deepa Bharath covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at o7 deepa.bharath@latimes.comf7 .