This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Two men were shot and wounded during an altercation on the L.A. River Bike and Pedestrian path in Elysian Valley at around 9 p.m. on Friday night, according to the Eastsider L.A.. The shooting happened while the men were riding on the path with their wives. All four of the people are reportedly related.
As it happened, the group was riding their bicycles on the path, close to its southern terminus at the 5 freeway and Riverside Drive, when they were approached by two hispanic men. All four of the men started arguing after the two suspects demanded that the group hand over their bicycles.
LAPD Officer Mike Lopez explained to LAist how, when the group did not hand over the bicycles, one of the suspects produced a handgun and shot the the two men. Both victims were shot in the legs. Neither of the women were wounded, and the men, ages 47 and 27 years old, are father and son-in-law.
The suspects fled after the shooting, taking at least one of the bicycles with them as they left. Both victims were hospitalized shortly thereafter, and are expected to survive the shooting after a night of emergency surgery, according to KCBS.
While violent crime is not common on L.A.'s bike paths, this is not the first time an incident like this has happened. Back in 2013, a man was mugged for his bicycle on the Ballona Creek Bike Path in Culver City. Stay safe, and if someone with a weapon tries to rob you, remember that the bicycle can be replaced.
