2 men stabbed to death in Chinatown; suspect at large

CHINATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A murder suspect was on the loose after two men were stabbed to death in Chinatown, according to authorities.

Los Angeles police said they responded to the 900 block of North Broadway at about 2:45 p.m.

Authorities said they were originally responding to a call for shots fired, but found two men in their 60s on the ground suffering from stab wounds inside the Hop Sing Tong Benevolent Association.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials.

Police said a man in his 30s entered the Hop Sing Tong Association and had an altercation with one of the victims. Officials said the suspect stabbed the man.

The other victim tried to help and that's when the suspect stabbed him, according to police.

Authorities said the suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of blood. Police brought bloodhounds to the scene to help in the search.

Peter Ing, a friend of one of the victims, said his friend was a good guy and that the victim and suspect had a longstanding rivalry.

"He's a good guy. He might have a past that was a little bit exciting, but he's settled down and he's really putting his effort to help the community," he said.

The man added that the suspect and victim had an argument a few days ago that may have escalated to the stabbing.

The investigation was ongoing.