Teen injured in apparent gang shooting

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- A 16-year-old boy was shot during a confrontation Wednesday

afternoon and managed to drive himself to a hospital where he remains in

serious condition.

According to a preliminary investigation, police believe the shooting was

gang-related.

“The victim isn’t cooperating and no one has stepped forward to provide

information,” said Lt. John FitzPatrick. “From what we know right now, it

appears the shooter was from a rival gang.”

The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 700 block of

Shalimar Drive. The victim and the gunman were reportedly arguing for

several minutes. Police said the unidentified man pulled a handgun from

his pants and fired at least one shot.

The teenager was struck once in the chest.

The gunman ran away and got into a waiting car. Meanwhile, the victim

struggled to get to his car nearby and drove to Hoag Hospital. Police

were notified that the victim had checked himself into the hospital and

went there to interview him.

Police have few details about the shooting and are asking for the

public’s help. The gunman is described as Latino, in his mid-20s, about 5

feet, 7 inches tall, heavyset and had a shaved head.

There was no description of the getaway vehicle. Anyone with information

is asked to call the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5281.