POSTED: 2:30 p.m. PDT September 9, 2003
UPDATED: 3:06 p.m. PDT September 9, 2003
LOS ANGELES -- Three teenagers were shot and wounded in an apparent drive-by shooting across the street from a San Fernando Valley high school Tuesday afternoon.
The shooting reportedly took place on the sidewalk across from the school, where the victims were waiting for a bus near the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Winnetka Avenue. That intersection has been closed for the investigation.
The two boys and a girl were rushed to hospitals in critical condition, said Officer Jason Lee, a police spokesman. The three were rushed to hospitals, one by rescue helicopter that landed on a school field and then flew to the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center. The scene was described as a "very bloody scene." The victim that was transported by helicopter to UCLA Medical Center was reportedly a 15-year-old male who was hit in the chest. One of the victims was reportedly transported to Holy Cross Hospital.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m., said Los Angeles Unified School District spokeswoman Hilda Ramirez. She said the school had early dismissal at about 1:30 p.m.
LAPD has sent numerous officers to the scene. Traffic in the area was said to be very congested. Eastbound Ventura Boulevard is shut down; traffic is being diverted on to Winnetka Avenue, according to NBC4.
Police have released a description of the shooter, and were reportedly searching nearby businesses for the gunman. NBC4 will bring you the description of the alleged gunman as soon as it is available. Police are still searching for the shooter or shooters.
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