Cyclist, 13, Shoots Alleged Bike Thief

A man who tried to rob a 13-year-old of his 10-speed bike Wednesday in Canoga Park was shot three times when the youth pulled out a handgun and opened fire, Los Angeles police said.

The youth also shot himself once with the semiautomatic weapon, apparently as the two Canoga Park residents struggled, Detective Paul Stewart said.

Neither was seriously injured, Stewart said.

The shooting took place about 2:45 p.m. north of Vanowen Street along the railroad tracks that run east of Canoga Avenue, Stewart said.

Police said they believe the youth was walking or riding his bike along the tracks when the man, Francisco Quezava Ruiz, confronted him.

After he was wounded, Ruiz fled across Canoga Avenue and the youth went to a nearby convenience store, police said.

Police arrested the youth, who was not identified, on suspicion of attempted murder, Stewart said. Ruiz, 20, was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, authorities said.

Ruiz, who suffered wounds to the left arm, left side and back, was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, then transferred in satisfactory condition to County-USC Medical Center jail ward, authorities said.

The youth was taken to Canoga Park Hospital. He was to be transferred to Sylmar Juvenile Hall on Wednesday night after being treated for a gunshot wound to the left arm, police said.