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By Lookout Staff

August 22 -- Three suspects were arrested after a man was injured in a gang-related shooting near the Sears parking lot Downtown after he left the pier, police said.

The victim -- who had suffered a single, non-life threatening gunshot wound -- was treated and released from an area hospital.

The incident took place at around 9:45 p.m. on the 300 block of Colorado Avenue after the suspects confronted the victim for a second time, police said.

“The suspects had confronted the victim as he left the pier,” said Sgt. David Hunscke, of the Santa Monica Police Department. “The suspects asked the victim where he was from.”

Gang members commonly use the phrase to determine if someone belongs to a rival gang, according to police.

After the victim told them he did not belong to a gang, the suspects left the area, police said.

When the suspects confronted the victim a short time later near the Sears parking lot, a fight broke out, Hunscke said. One of the suspects produced a gun and shot the victim.

After getting a description of the four suspects and where they were headed, officers blocked off Colorado and Broadway in both directions, containing the area with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department helicopter.

Motorists exiting the 10 Freeway at 4th Street encountered dozens of squad cars parked with lights flashing, as officers on foot combed the area with a K-9.

Three of the four suspects were arrested, Hunscke said.

“Detectives are working diligently to establish the fourth suspect’s identity,” he said.

The weapon used in this crime has not been recovered, Hunscke said.

The three suspects were booked at the Santa Monica Police Department.

They are William Ramirez, a 26-year-old male, Hispanic with a parole violation; Albert Ramirez, a 22-year-old Hispanic, and Jesse Araiza, a 19-year-old Hispanic also with a parole violation.

In addition to the two parole violations, the three were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy and promoting a criminal street gang.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with additional information should call the Santa Monica Police Department Detectives at 310.458.8451 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the Watch Commander at 310.458.8427 anytime.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).