2 Men Shot in Palmdale After Gang Blocks Road

Two men were shot over the weekend after a dozen gang members threw up a roadblock in Palmdale and trapped the victims, authorities said.

Marshal Tyree, 21, of Palmdale and Jason Gotcher, 18, of Quartz Hill were treated and released from Palmdale Hospital Medical Center after suffering bullet wounds in the Saturday night shooting, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lt. Daniel Castillo said.

Jeff Gagnon, 21, of Palmdale was driving with Tyree, Gotcher and another friend when occupants of three passing vehicles flashed gang signs at them, Castillo said.

The vehicles turned south on 10th Street East, where gang members used their vehicles to block Gagnon’s path, he said.

Trying to get away, Gagnon turned east onto Avenue R-4, where he was again blocked by the three cars as well as another two cars waiting there. Gagnon tried to drive over a curb to escape, but his engine stalled, Castillo said.

About a dozen males got out of the five vehicles and began shooting at the victims, Castillo said. Gagnon managed to start the car, leave the area and phone authorities.

Tyree was hit in the head by three bullet fragments. Gotcher was struck in the left ankle by a bullet.

No one had been arrested by Sunday, Castillo said.