Further On Multiple Gunshots Fired, Vicinity 47th St/Rio Ave.: 3-5 Homes Struck By Gunfire; Nine Yr. Old Struck Inside Home By Bullet Fragment Is OK; Sleepy Hollow Neighborhood Stunned; Newly Elected Councilwoman Gabelich Responds

(August 29, 2004, twice updated from initial 1:20 a.m. post) -- Confirming a disturbing story first reported by LBReport.com, LBPD says it believes at least 25 gunshot rounds were fired in the vicinity of 47th St and Rio Ave. (south of Del Amo. Blvd., west of LB Blvd.) on Saturday night August 28.

The gunfire hit homes, scarred trees and telephone poles and stunned residents in the normally quiet "Sleepy Hollow" area.

At least two bullets entered residences. A fragment from one bullet struck a nine year old child in the foot. It didn't break the skin but left a red mark, said LBPD Public Information Officer Sgt. David Marander.

LBReport.com has separately learned that a bullet entered another residence, hitting the wall in a child's room. It left what was described as a hole roughly four to six inches in diameter in an area where (but for fortune) the child could have been struck.

The gunfire occurred at roughly 8:00 p.m. and LBPD says at least three homes were struck. Newly elected 8th district Councilwoman Rae Gabelich says she knows of at least five homes that were struck.

"This is why it is so critical that we support public safety. It's the ultimate quality of life issue. Our General Fund dollars shouldn't be used for items other than core services and public safety at this time," Councilwoman Gabelich told LBReport.com.

Councilwoman Gabelich, who took office barely six weeks ago, said she spent the hours after the shooting and much of the next day dealing with its aftermath. She said she couldn't sleep after what had taken place...and at midnight drove through the neighborood and found a number of residents standing outside, still stunned by events. On Sunday afternoon Aug. 29, Councilwoman Gabelich held a meeting with area residents to discuss what took place.

Sgt. Marander said LBPD found numerous shell casings in the vicinity of the 100 block of west 47th St. along streets and in alleyways.

Sgt. Marander urged anyone with information that could prove helpful to call LBPD's Violent Crimes section at (562) 570-7250.