14-year-old boy shot, injured in El Sereno

EL SERENO, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 14-year-old boy was injured in a shooting in El Sereno Monday evening, and a search is underway for three suspects.

The incident happened on the 5300 block of Ithaca Avenue around 5:25 p.m. Los Angeles police say the victim was skateboarding with his friend when they were approached by three suspects who asked them about their gang affiliation.

When the victim replied that he was not affiliated, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and opened fire four to six times, police said.

The victim was struck multiple times in his torso and transported to L.A. County-USC Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable condition Tuesday morning after undergoing surgery.

"What makes it even more tragic is the age. Unfortunately, some gangsters have lost the respect for that part of it," LAPD Capt. Gary Lopez said.

The second skateboard was not wounded. Neither teens were believed to have any gang ties.

No other injuries were reported. The three suspects were seen running from the scene, according to the LAPD.

Anyone with information was asked to call police at (877) LAPD-24-7.