L.A. man charged in gunfire at Cambodian fest

Last update: April 21, 2009 - 10:05 PM

A 29-year-old Los Angeles man, Keng Nera, was arraigned Tuesday in Dakota County District Court for allegedly exchanging gunfire with another man during a Cambodian festival attended by about 2,000 people in Hampton on Saturday. Nobody was injured.

Bail was set at $150,000 for Nera, who was charged with second-degree assault and discharging a pistol where it endangered public safety. Bail will be reduced to $100,000 if he meets conditions, including staying away from gangs, alcohol and the Watt Munisotaram Temple, just off Hwy. 50. Several cars were struck by bullets when eight to 10 shots were fired in the temple's parking lot about 3:30 p.m., authorities said. Nera was arrested later Saturday.

Authorities are looking for at least one other man. They surmise that the shooting could be tied to gangs. Anyone with information is asked to call the Dakota County Sheriff's Office at 651-438-4720 or the TIPS line at 651-438-8477.

JOY POWELL

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