Two men shot in Banning park, assailant sought

Two men were shot by an assailant who attempted to rob them in a Banning park, from which he fled, his whereabouts unknown today.   

The attack happened about 11:35 p.m. Wednesday at Repplier Park, near the intersection of George Street and North San Gorgonio Avenue, according to the Banning Police Department.

The agency said that the victims, whose identities were not disclosed, were talking in the park when they were approached by a man they didn't know.   

"He attempted to rob them at gunpoint,'' according to a police statement, adding that he opened fire, then fled.   

One of the victims was able to call 911, and patrol officers converged on the location minutes later, locating the two men shot.   

Police said the assailant was nowhere in sight.   

The victims were taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of apparently non-life-threatening wounds.   

The suspect was described as Hispanic, in his 30s, with a thin build, but no other details were available.

"The police department is asking for the public's help in obtaining any leads and any video footage that may have captured the suspect's actions prior to the incident or after, or any other information that may lead to the suspect's identification,'' according to the agency.

Detectives can be reached at 951-922-3170.