Homeless people shot in face with pellet gun in Buena Park; manhunt underway

BUENA PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Police are looking for a suspect or suspects accused of shooting two homeless people in Buena Park with a pellet gun.

The first shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. Sunday night near Lincoln and Knott avenues.

Officials from the Orange County Fire Authority said someone drove up to a homeless man, identified as 41-year-old Jose Cordero, and shot him in the face two times.

Cordero said that he works as a forklift operator during the day, but has been homeless for the past 10 years. The father-of-three said he was sleeping outside of a vacant store in Buena Park with his brother-in-law when he was shot.

Four people in a car drove by and began shooting, striking him, and then shattering the glass behind him. He was left bloody and bruised before being transported to a nearby hospital.

Cordero said he recognized the group of suspects from the night before, but this time, they were armed.

A second incident was reported just four blocks away at the intersection of Franklin Street and Artesia Boulevard. Police said another homeless man was shot just below his eye, but he refused medical care, officials said.

Police said they did not have information on suspects but believe a four-door, dark-colored compact vehicle was involved in both cases.

If anyone has any information about this shooting, please contact the Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) 847-6227. All callers will remain anonymous.