Tran Nguyen Anh Linh, 21, is recovering in good condition at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center from an injury to his left ear. He tells investigators he doesn't know why someone opened fire on his Honda on the 110 Freeway Thursday afternoon.
"He doesn't give any indication that he cut somebody off, flipped anybody off, nothing. We don't know if he was a target or not, but we're investigating it as if had been a random incident," said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Dave Nelms
The CHP says it appears another vehicle pulled up next to Anh Linh, who was alone in his car, and took aim.
"He just dropped off his girlfriend at college. He was northbound on the 110, about 45 miles an hour, was preparing to exit the 110 and take the north 405 Freeway when he heard a very loud bang," said Nelms.
Anh Linh says he felt a burning sensation on the left side of his head, pulled over and called 911. His ear was bleeding when paramedics and CHP officers arrived on scene.
The search for shell casings closed northbound freeway lanes for three hours but investigators didn't find any. They now believe the suspect used a low-powered weapon.
"It does appear that it was more than just like a BB or something like that. There's some kind of shot, possibly birdshot, that was through the vehicle," said Nelms.
There was no suspect vehicle description available. If you have information about the case, contact the California Highway Patrol South L.A. Office at (310) 516-3355.
