KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES, CA – A 56-year-old father is recovering after being shot while successfully confronting an armed teenager who opened fire near a crowded World Cup watch party in Koreatown.
Chaos at Seoul International Park
The incident occurred just before 7:00 p.m. on June 18 at Seoul International Park. Hundreds of local soccer fans had gathered in the neighborhood to watch the highly anticipated Mexico versus South Korea match.
The victim, Luis Romero of Duarte, was attending the community event with his son when a suspect suddenly arrived and fired multiple rounds, sending panicked families and children scrambling for safety.
A Heroic Intervention
Seeing children and families in immediate danger, Romero ran toward the gunfire to disarm the shooter. During the physical struggle to subdue the suspect, Romero was shot in his left thigh.
Witnesses and bystanders rushed to provide first aid to Romero as he lay on the ground bleeding heavily before emergency responders arrived. He was transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded immediately to the intersection of Normandie Avenue and James M. Wood Boulevard. Officers arrested the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Andy Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is currently being held in custody on a $1.1 million bond. According to court records, he faces serious charges, including:
- One felony count of assault with a firearm on a person.
- Special allegations of using a firearm during a felony.
- Inflicting great bodily injury.
An arraignment hearing for Rodriguez is scheduled for June 30. A clear motive for the shooting has not yet been established by detectives.
Long Road to Recovery
While Romero has been released from the hospital, his family states he faces a long recovery and is currently unable to return to work. His family has established a local crowdfunding effort to assist with the mounting medical expenses and loss of income.
