Recent shootings in Venice area have police on guard

Friday, March 16, 2018
VENICE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police in Venice Beach are searching for two men who they say got into a fight Thursday night with a group of people before one of them fired a handgun into the crowd.

The victim is an 18-year-old man who police say was trying to break up the fight. He is expected to recover.
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This shooting comes on the heels of another in the same area. That violent incident was captured on cellphone video.

MORE: Suspect arrested in connection to Venice shooting, police say

Nine shots were fired into a crowd of people outside of a bar, leaving one man critically wounded. The suspect was arrested.

Police say the two shootings are not related, but they say the recent violence in the Venice area is concerning.
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A popular tourist destination, the boardwalk is often packed on weekends and during the summer. The eclectic shops and restaurants are a draw for many. Some longtime Venice residents argue the crime is part of the culture.



"This is a pretty hip area, there's several restaurants and night spots, so I would definitely come down," said Diana Coconubo, who was in the area Friday. "But as far as like walking on the boardwalk in the evening past sundown? No."
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