1 dead, 2 wounded in Watts gang-related shooting

WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Authorities were investigating a gang-related shooting that left one man dead and two others wounded in Watts early Thursday morning.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives responded to the 1300 block of East Imperial Highway at a 76 gas station around 12:50 a.m.

Authorities said there were two separate scenes connected to the shooting and that the suspect used a high-powered rifle.

Deputies said a white sedan pulled up next to another white vehicle near the gas station. The suspect in the sedan pulled out the rifle and began shooting at the occupants in the other vehicle.

The occupants in the car, as well as a bystander, were struck. An electrical panel inside the gas station was also shot, which caused a power outage. The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

During an early-morning press conference, authorities said the female passenger ended up driving the man's car, taking the car to the driveway of a nearby LAPD station.

"The male was seated in the driver's seat and we know that the female drove to that location. So whether she slid into the side or drove on top of him, we don't know at this time," L.A. County Sheriff's Department Lt. Jose Mendoza said.

The bystander and the woman, who was shot in the upper body, were hospitalized and are both expected to survive.

Hesham Elbialy, who owns the gas station, said there needs to more patrols in the area to prevent such acts of violence from happening.

"If somebody gets shot - it's a human being. It's very sad," he said.

Police said they are looking for one or two men who were in a white sedan. No further information was available on the suspects, but they will be reviewing surveillance video that captured the shooting from nearby locations.

They will also review whatever they can retrieve from the gas station surveillance before the power went out.

Anyone with more information was urged to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.