BRIEFLY.

Men shot trying to get into vehicle

Two men were shot Monday in a drive-by attack in Hyde Park while trying to get into a car with its keys locked inside, police said.

A 29-year-old and a 44-year-old, whose names police withheld, were shot at 60th Street and 10th Avenue about 1:40 a.m., said Los Angeles police Sgt. Raul Pedroza of the 77th Street Station.

Both were hospitalized, he said. The younger man was reported in critical condition; no hospital condition was available for the other, but Pedroza said he had stable vital signs.

The shooting happened in front of the home of one of the victims, after his wife locked her keys in the car, Pedroza said.

- City News Service

Car sought after owner found dead

Los Angeles police today were searching for a stolen car after its owner was found beaten to death on a street in Little Tokyo, a detective said.

The body of Hermangildo Martinez was found in the 200 block of North Santa Fe Avenue about 8 a.m. Sunday, said Los Angeles police Detective Patricia Hauck.

His gray 1986 Chevrolet Camaro - gray with red pinstripes, bearing California license 4VOG858 - was last seen near Patton and Colton streets in Echo Park shortly after the body was found, Hauck said.

- City News Service

Mexican national killed by deputy

A sheriff's deputy shot and killed a Mexican national following an altercation in which the man was wielding knives, a sheriff's official said Monday.

The man, who was not immediately identified, was shot shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday when he ``advanced rapidly'' toward deputies at an apartment complex, said sheriff's Sgt. Don Manumaleuna.

The man had a knife in each hand and refused to back down after being shot with a Taser gun, the sergeant said.

His brother, who was also shot during the incident, was taken to a hospital in stable condition, Manumaleuna said. It was not immediately clear whether the brother was shot directly or hit by a stray bullet.

The deputy involved in the shooting had been interviewed by homicide detectives. He was expected to be reassigned back to field work after an examination by a psychologist, Manumaleuna said.

- Associated Press

Freeway crash leaves 5 injured

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Five people were injured late Monday in a multi-vehicle collision on the 170 Freeway just south of Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood, authorities said.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, two men in their 60s were trapped in one car and had to be extricated. Both were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition.

A man and woman in a second vehicle were treated for neck, back and abdominal pain at a nearby hospital. The two - believed to be in their mid-20s to 30s - were reported in good condition.

A male motorist in his 30s, was treated on the scene for minor leg pain, and transported to an area hospital.

- Daily News