A tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon in Compton, where a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot at a popular local park. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene at the 2100 block of Oris Street near Fig/Oleander Park, as reported by KTLA. The boy, found with gunshot wounds, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The shooter, described as wearing all black and a ski mask, fled the scene and remains at large despite a subsequent police chase.
During the time of the shooting, the park was filled with people, making the crime all the more alarming for the community. According to NBC Los Angeles, resident Graidys Vasquez narrated hearing "five gunshots," and witnessing the aftermath of the incident as people scrambled to assist the young victim. "My mom doesn’t normally let us go outside because of situations that have been happening recently," Vasquez added, expressing the growing unease in the community stemming from a recent uptick in violence.
Despite efforts by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect managed to evade capture during a police pursuit. Details about this chase were confirmed by officials and reported by FOX 11. While the shooter's escape poses a lingering threat, the officers did not provide a clear description of the individual responsible for the attack.
Residents shared with CBS Los Angeles that the victim was a student at Davis Middle School and was often seen at the playground near his home. The same sources mentioned hearing around 15 shots before a dark red vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Camaro or a Dodge Charger, sped away from the scene. Authorities continue their investigation, urging those with information to come forward and contact the LASD's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or provide anonymous tips to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
