‘Car to car’ gang shootout in Norwalk results in one being shot four times

Two patrol cars from the Norwalk Sheriff’s Department seen investigating the car to car shoot out in a residential street near John Glenn High School. Photo by Kevin Landry.

By Brian Hews

A wild gang related shooting on the streets of Norwalk on Saturday has resulted in two arrests in an incident that had a portion of the community blocked off for several hours near John Glenn High School.

At approximately 3:22 p.m., a Norwalk Sheriff Deputy was flagged down by individuals who witnessed a car to car shooting.

The cars involved were described as an older model black Honda Civic and a blue Dodge Challenger, and both were traveling west on Rosecrans Avenue.

The Dodge Challenger was stopped at a red light when the suspects/victims, described as two to three male Hispanics between 18 and 20 years of age, apparently approached when one of them smashed the rear driver’s side window while a second suspect shot out the rear passenger side window.

The occupants of the Dodge Challenger then shot back at the Honda Civic striking one the suspect/victim four times in the body, Los Cerritos Community Newspaper was told.

According to Norwalk Sheriff’s Captain Patrick Maxwell, the Challenger then drove North on Shoemaker Avenue from Rosecrans Avenue colliding into a wall at Rosecrans and Foster Road.

The suspect(s) were detained and a .380 caliber gun was recovered. The suspect/victim was transported to Norwalk Community by unknown persons. His injuries were non-life threatening and was ultimately transferred to St. Francis Hospital.

Suspect Manuel Augustine Lopez, age 18, in the Dodge Challenger was brought into custody by Norwalk Sheriff’s. His grandparents arrived at the scene and confirmed that the car involved was their vehicle.

Norwalk Sheriff’s also confirmed that the victim who was shot was also a confirmed gang member. He was identified as Jamie Lira, 18, of Norwalk.

Neighbors in the area told LCCN that “the entire area around John Glenn High School was literally shut down for hours.” “Everyone is on edge here, these shootings are becoming a regular thing in Norwalk,” said community member Jacinto Magana.