Man dies in South Gate shooting; probe underway

SOUTH GATE, Calif. (KABC) -- A 50-year-old tow truck driver died after being shot in South Gate on Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. Detectives are investigating the incident as a possible repossession gone wrong.

Investigators believe multiple suspects opened fire on the tow truck driver near a 7-Eleven convenience store on Atlantic and Rosecrans avenues in Compton. Some sort of chase ensued between the victim and the suspects that ended in South Gate, investigators said.

The tow truck driver and another vehicle, not involved in the crime, collided at the intersection of Firestone Boulevard and Rayo Avenue around 4 a.m. That's when authorities believe the suspects got out of their car and shot the tow truck driver.

The man was taken to St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff's department said.

The occupants of the vehicle that struck the tow truck were taken to a local hospital and are expected to be OK. The suspects, authorities believe, fled the scene.

Two people, possible witnesses, were taken into custody around 9:30 a.m. for questioning.

The truck was towing a white Dodge Caliber, and debris was found strewn across the road.

A Finance Auto Sales paper license plate was still hooked to the tow truck. Finance Auto Sales say they contract with several tow companies when repossessing a vehicle but would not comment further.

Descriptions of the suspects were not immediately available.

Firestone Boulevard was temporarily shut down to the 710 Freeway as sheriff's investigators and South Gate police continued their investigation.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.