Teen girl killed, woman wounded in car shooting near Watts

WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A teenage girl was killed and a woman was wounded when they were shot in a car in Walnut Park Thursday night, authorities said.

The incident was reported just after 9 p.m. Police officers observed a Mercedes-Benz SUV speeding away from the scene of a reported shooting near Century Boulevard and Central Avenue.

They followed the vehicle until it lost control, spun out and came to a stop a few blocks away at Wilmington Avenue and Imperial Highway in Watts.

The vehicle had bullet holes in the windshield and the girl, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, was dead in the passenger seat. Sheriff's officials said she was struck at least one time in the body.

Paramedics were seen treating the female driver at the scene. Officials said she was struck at least one time in the body and transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in good condition. A third victim was not struck by gunfire, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

After a preliminary investigation, police believe the shooting happened at 93rd Street and Hooper Avenue, in Walnut Park. They believe the Mercedes-Benz may have been trying to get to a hospital.

There was no suspect information, and it was not yet known if the incident was gang related.

The sheriff's Homicide Bureau took over the investigation due to the location of the shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the bureau at (323) 890-5500.