Man fatally shot during robbery near Leimert Park

A man in his 20s was shot and killed early Saturday morning during an argument and robbery near Leimert Park, an LAPD officer said.

The shooting happened at about 1 a.m. at 43rd Street and Arlington Avenue, said Officer Norma Eisenman. The victim, whose name has not been released, was with some friends when he was confronted by a pair of suspects, she said.

“The suspect began an argument prior to producing a handgun and demanding the victim’s property,” Eisenman said. “One suspect shot the victim in the upper torso.”

The wounded man was taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.

Eisenman said she did not know if the shooting was gang related, but a law enforcement source said the argument involved gang allegiances. 

The victim had been making insulting remarks about a gang when he was confronted by two suspects, including the man who shot him, the source said. The gunman did a “pocket check” of the victim, asking for his property, before opening fire on him.

ALSO:

Costa Mesa mayor accuses unions of fake DUI call against him

Tennis umpire’s attorney says authorities created ‘media circus’

L.A. Council OKs pilot program to turn parking spots into 'parklets'

-- Hector Becerra