Two Youngsters Shot in Pico Neighborhood

By Lookout Staff

August 23 -- Two Santa Monica youngsters were shot in the Pico Neighborhood Monday night by suspects who fled in a dark van with dark tinted windows, police said.

The victims -- a black and a Latino juvenile -- were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries after they were shot on the 1800 block of 20th Street, police said.

The first victim sustained a gunshot wound to his lower right leg, while the second victim sustained a grazing wound to his back, said Lt. Frank Fabrega, the police department spokesman.

The suspects are described as two male Hispanics in their 20s, police said. They were in an older model, dark Chevy Astro or Ford Aerostar van with rear tinted windows.

Police are investigating whether the shootings may be gang related, Fabrega said.

Anyone with information should call the Robbery/Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8451 or the Watch Commander’s Office at 310-458-8426.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous, yet still become eligible for a reward, may also call the WeTip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).