Norwalk sheriff's investigating string of possible gang-related shootings

NORWALK  – Norwalk Sheriff’s deputies are currently investigating a series of possibly gang-related shootings, which left at least one person wounded and many more on edge.

According to Lt. Jeff Dusky, the most recent shooting took place at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday when deputies responded to shots fired at 11637 The Plaza near Rosecrans Avenue and Pioneer Boulevard. 

While no suspects or victims were located when deputies arrived, witnesses said they saw a man with a handgun who approached and shot at another man who was eating, authorities said.

Dusky said the gunman fired at least three rounds, but no one was struck. Shell casings were recovered at the location. 

After the incident, witnesses said two men ran in opposite directions from the scene, Dusky said. 

The two suspects were described as being their teens or early 20s. 

Dusky said the shooting is being investigated by Operation Safe Streets, the sheriff’s gang investigation unit. 

The reported shooting comes just days after a man in his 30s nearly survived after deputies say he may have strayed too close to gang territory where he was shot and wounded on Jan. 5, authorities said. 

Dusky said this shooting occurred at 12:03 a.m. near Foster Road and San Antonio Drive.
The victim told authorities he was walking west on Foster when a man driving in a silver four-door hatchback pulled up alongside of him, asking where he was from -- a typical gang challenge.

After the victim replied he wasn’t from anywhere, the assailant shot at him four times, striking him once in the upper body before fleeing, Dusky said, adding the victim was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

A description of the shooter was not immediately available. 

Dusky said the shooting occurred relatively close to gang territory and that the victim "unfortunately may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time."