Cops Rush Gateway Boy Struck By Stray Bullet To Hospital

COMPTON, CA — A young boy was critically wounded by a stray bullet in a gang-related shooting in East Compton Wednesday that triggered a manhunt for the shooter, authorities said.

The shooting occurred about 11:45 a.m. at Compton Boulevard and Lime Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"Upon arrival, deputies located a very young boy who was struck by gunfire at least one time to his upper torso," said Deputy Juanita Navarro- Suarez of the Sheriff's Information Bureau. "Deputies immediately grabbed the child and transported him in their patrol car to a local hospital."

Investigators told reporters at the scene that the boy, who is between 2 and 4 years old was in the back seat of his mother's vehicle when he was struck by a stray bullet. The tot was said to be in critical condition and undergoing surgery.

Three men were arguing with two others when someone pulled a gun and fired six shots, investigators said.

No suspect descriptions were immediately made available.

"An active crime scene containment of the surrounding area is in effect," Navarro-Suarez said.

An area resident told ABC7 he heard deputies make a public address announcement soon after the shooting advising people to secure themselves inside their homes.

— City News Service, photo via Shutterstock