LAPD arrests suspect in shooting of USC students

A man suspected of shooting and wounding two USC students--one critically--has been arrested by Los Angeles police and charged by prosecutors with attempted murder, authorities said Thursday.

The shooting occurred earlier Sept. 4, when several students confronted a stranger who appeared to be stealing items from an apartment complex in the 1200 block of West 37th Place during a large party.

During the confrontation, the man fired once, hitting a female student in the hand and then seriously wounding a male student in the chest.

Police said they believe the male student survived because of the efforts of the wounded female victim, who despite bleeding from her finger, administered lifesaving CPR.

The male victim later told investigators that as he was losing consciousness, he felt "somebody breathing for me," said LAPD Capt. Melissa Zak.

Investigators tracked down two possible suspects in the case Wednesday night. After further investigation, police arrested 21-year-old Tyson Tryee Smith of Signal Hill. He was charged Thursday afternoon with two counts of attempted murder.

Zak noted that students should be aware that large parties can bring "uninvited guests and unintended violent consequences."

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--Andrew Blankstein (Twitter.com/anblanx)

Image: Map shows location of the shooting in Exposition Park. Source: Google Maps