Basketball Player Shot at Game; Man Arrested

Los Angeles police said Thursday that they have arrested a man suspected of shooting one of his teammates after an argument erupted during a pickup basketball game.

Anania Hufanga, 20, of Van Nuys was shot once about 6 p.m. Wednesday on the playground at Cohasset Street School in the 15800 block of Saticoy Street, Detective Ernest Guzman said. A bullet went through the victim’s left leg and lodged in his right leg, Guzman said.

Hufanga was taken to Panorama Community Hospital, where he was listed in satisfactory condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Police arrested Rossie Johnson, 18, in the courtyard of the Van Nuys apartment complex where he lives, Guzman said. Johnson was being held at the Van Nuys Division jail on suspicion of attempted murder, Guzman said.

Hufanga had been playing basketball with 10 other men when he got into an argument with two of the players, including Johnson, Lt. Dennis Dunn said.

The two players eventually left the playground, but Johnson returned a short time later with several friends, Guzman said. A scuffle broke out, and Johnson pulled a handgun and shot Hufanga, Guzman said.

Johnson apparently became angry at the way Hufanga was playing, authorities said.