At Least 3 Shot During Halloween Celebrations in Hollywood
 

By Samantha Tata and Alex Calder, NBCLosAngeles.com, Updated: November-01-12 2:37 AM


LOS ANGELES -- At least three people were shot during Halloween celebrations that became unruly in Hollywood late Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The shooting occurred shortly before 10 p.m. local time (1 a.m. ET) near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Whitley Avenue, Los Angeles police Sgt. Andrew Chao told City News Service.

A 17-year-old boy was shot in the chest and leg, and taken to the hospital in critical condition, Chao told CNS. A 14-year-old boy was shot in the foot and a 25-year-old man was struck in the buttocks, Chao said. The pair was transported to the hospital.

It was not immediately clear whether the shooter or shooters were apprehended, though aerial footage of the scene showed at least two people being detained by LAPD officers.

Officers were already deployed in the area due to Halloween celebrations. Unruly crowds began to form up and down Hollywood Boulevard throughout the night, and it appeared that as soon as officers stabilized one area, another area would erupt in violence. Early reports suggested revelers were fighting and throwing bottles.

Dozens of cops in riot gear started responding to Hollywood and Highland shortly after 10 p.m.

Largely-costumed crowds spilled into traffic, ran in between cars and confronted officers starting as early as 9:30 p.m.

A skirmish line of mounted officers was briefly stationed at the intersection of Hollywood and Wilcox. Throngs of officers on mounted patrol, bicycles and motorcycles descended on the area. Several LAFD crews were also on scene.

Halloween celebrations in Hollywood pale in comparison to those in adjacent West Hollywood, where some 400,000 people were expected to attend the annual Costume Carnaval.

Still, Hollywood has become an increasingly popular spot for Halloween revelers and hundreds lined the streets Wednesday night.


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