Watch CBS News

4 Killed in L.A. Restaurant Shooting

Updated at 12:55 p.m. ET

A gunman walked into a San Fernando Valley restaurant Saturday and opened fire, killing four people and wounding two others, police said.

Los Angeles police say four people shot and killed at a San Fernando Valley restaurant were targeted.

Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese says Saturday's shooting at the crowded Hot Spot Cafe in Valley Village was "an intentional act."

Three men were pronounced dead at the scene of the 4:40 p.m. attack at the Hot Spot Mediterranean Cafe, according to Los Angeles Police officer Rosario Herrera. Another man died of his wounds after being rushed to a hospital.

She said two others people were hospitalized, one in critical condition.

CBS Station KCBS reports witnesses described the suspect as a heavyset white or Armenian man in his 30s, but no one has been taken into custody.

Investigators are trying to determine how many shooters there were and whether a gunman walked into the restaurant and started shooting or was already inside.

Police believe the suspect left in a vehicle, but no information about the vehicle was available.

A motive for the attack was unknown.

"It's a very complex investigation that we are involved in right now," Albanese said at a news conference Saturday night.

"Anytime we have a shooting at an eatery in broad daylight, we all need to be concerned."

Initial reports said five people were hit by gunfire, but police later said there had been six victims.

The identifications of the shooting victims were not immediately released but police said five were men between 20 and 25 years old. Herrera also said she didn't know if the sixth victim was male or female.

Nearby residents told The Daily News the cafe often seemed strangely empty.

"The place is shady," said Matt Edwards, who lives close by and heard the gunfire. "It opened five years ago and it's always closed and empty."

"There's always people outside talking but never anyone eating," said Kim Sutton, who lives around the corner.

Riverside Drive was closed as officials investigated the scene and searched for the gunman.

Anyone with information about this shooting can call LAPD's North Hollywood station at (818) 623-4016.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.