Four Men Shot, Injured Near Westside Homeless Encampment

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — Four men were shot and injured early Wednesday near a homeless encampment next to the Ballona Wetlands in Playa del Rey, the Los Angeles Police Department told Patch.

People reported hearing gunshots in the area about 5:40 a.m. near Jefferson Boulevard, between Culver Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Officer Jader Chaves told Patch.

A preliminary investigation found that four victims were shot, including one who was taken to a hospital by paramedics. The other three victims were taken to a hospital by a good Samaritan.

Initial reports indicated two of the victims were in critical condition, however, all of the men were in stable condition by Wednesday night.

Jefferson and Lincoln boulevards were closed for several hours during the investigation.

A woman was detained at the scene, but it was unclear if she was a suspect or a witness. Authorities are reportedly seeking two suspects.

There is no immediate suspect information, police said.

No motive or further shooting information was provided.

"All victims are believed to be people experiencing homelessness," police said in a statement. "However, the shooting does not appear to be related to this fact."

"The incident does not appear to be gang or drug-related," police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact LAPD Pacific Area Detective Jurado at (310) 482-6369. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

Editor's Note: This story was updated with additional information throughout at 8:19 p.m.

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