LOCAL : Boy, 5, Shot in North Hollywood

A 5-year-old boy was slightly wounded by shotgun pellets fired by suspected gang members in North Hollywood and police arrested three suspects in the shooting, authorities said today.

The boy, whose name was withheld by police, was wounded once in the hand and twice in the arm by birdshot fired from a shotgun, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Pat Dailey said. The boy was treated at the scene by paramedics and released.

The victim and several other people were standing in front of a residence on Harmony Avenue about 8:35 p.m. Thursday, he said. A gunman in a passing car fired at the crowd, apparently missing his intended target and hitting the boy, Dailey said.

Police stopped a car a short distance away and arrested two suspects. A third suspect was arrested a block away, he said.

“The 5-year-old knew who they were and was able to identify them after police stopped the car a couple of blocks away,” Dailey said.

Officers also seized a shotgun, he said.

A 15-year-old boy, whose name was withheld because of his age, was booked at the Sylmar Juvenile Hall on suspicion of attempted murder.

Jaime Ortiz, 21, and Carlos Morales, 20, both of North Hollywood, were booked at the North Hollywood Division on suspicion of attempted murder.

All three were identified as suspected gang members, Dailey said.