Like anywhere in Los Angeles, you can find plenty of graffiti along Hollywood Boulevard. Taggers leave their mark where they can, and those familiar with them know to stay clear.
"Call 911 or private security or just go to the nearest store that's open and try to get help that way. Don't try to get involved with them directly. It's dangerous," said local resident Abel Peterson.
Workers at the victim's auto body shop were afraid to talk about it.
LAPD Sgt. Ruby Malachi said the victim came out with another coworker confronted the taggers. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun, shot the victim in the chest and fled.
The victim was rushed to County-USC Medical Center and is in stable condition.
There have been similar situations across the region in the past few years, and some have been fatal.
"The best thing to do is always be a good witness, and get as much information as you can as far as identification of the suspects so you can describe them later to the police," Malachi said.
Police believe the suspects are in their 20s, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and possibly Armenian based on the type of graffiti they were writing -- a sign to mark their territory.
