Two people were killed and five were injured in a shooting at a San Pedro park as hundreds of people were enjoying their usual Sunday pastimes: playing baseball and attending a car show.
Initial investigation suggests that the shooting was gang related due to a dispute. This was not a random, active shooter. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact OSB Homicide or Crimestoppers.
— Brent McGuyre (@B_McGuyre) July 25, 2022
I’m across the street from Peak Park. #San PedroWhere firing took place, many people were injured. @DailyBreezeNews pic.twitter.com/kIHaTnXdMf
— Eric Anthony Licas (@EricLicas) July 25, 2022
Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Officer Rosario Cervantes said the shooting was reported in the area of 500 N. Western Avenue, in the Peck Park area, shortly before 4 p.m.
Witnesses waiting near the yellow crime tape said there was a car show and a community baseball game going on in the park, with children in attendance.
At an evening news conference, LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz said there were reports of fatalities at the baseball diamond. Four men and three women were injured in the firing, two died. The names of the dead were not immediately released. About 500 people were present in the park at the time, police said.
Dispatchers handling the initial calls could hear gunshots in the background, police said.
The shooting was described as a dispute between at least two parties and investigators believe more than one shooter may have been involved. During the search of the park, the police recovered several weapons.
“The original call came in as multiple victims of a shooting on the baseball diamond at Pack Park. As we speak here, this is an ongoing, active crime scene, and we are combing the park for evidence and possibly additional victims. continue to evacuate,” Muniz said. “We don’t know exactly how many shooters we have at this point.”
No arrests had been announced as of 7 p.m. and LAPD officials had not discussed a possible motive.
LAPD News: Around 3:50 a.m. Harbor Division officers responded to 911 calls of a shooting with multiple victims in Peck Park. Not an active shooter situation. PIO is on the way. Unknown number or condition of victims at this time.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) July 25, 2022
LAPD News/Update Continued: If you were a victim or have any information about this incident, please contact the South Bureau Homicide Division at (323) 786-5110. Your information may remain anonymous.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) July 25, 2022
Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscino said he saw photos of the victim under a white sheet from the scene. It was not immediately known if the man survived.
Buscino, who represents San Pedro in his district, said the shootings came from “outside gangs.” Some witnesses believe it happened at or near a car show, and Buscino said gang members were hosting an unsanctioned car show.
“Know that this park and many parks throughout the city are having problems with these car shows,” Buscaino said.
Buscaino has been working since 2020 to get a permit. Los Angeles Park Rangers to carry firearms. In November 2021, a motion to allow rangers to be armed on duty introduced by Buscaino was tabled in the Arts, Parks, Health, Education and Neighborhoods Committee.
But since then, no action has been taken on the motion, Buscino said.
“Recreation staff on site can identify potential problems and coordinate with park rangers,” Buscino said. “We have lost our sense of common sense in the city of Los Angeles.”
A detailed description of possible suspects and further information about the shooting were not immediately available.
CBS 2 reported that the entire park was initially declared a crime scene, and people who were inside around 5 p.m. were not allowed to leave until police spoke to them. It does not and does not clear them.
The LAPD also temporarily declared a citywide tactical alert, to ensure resources are available for other calls for service while many officers are dedicated to a particular incident.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
