Detectives Hunt Shooter Who Killed Father Of 5 In Sherman Oaks Eatery
SHERMAN OAKS (CBS) — Officials are on the hunt for the shooter who killed a father of five who was working inside Hoagies & Wings on Ventura Boulevard Friday evening.
Raul Lopez, 38, was reportedly trying to get five customers who had been "acting out" to leave peacefully.
He reportedly used a chair to try to shoo the men out. One of the men pulled out a gun and shot Lopez on the patio, from about a foot away.
Edward Lawrence, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke to stunned employees and a witness who didn't want to show his face on camera.
"They came in and they were very rowdy," said the witness, "They were disturbing the rest of the customers next door."
Witnesses said the men began rough housing and throwing chairs.
Lopez, a cook, came out to try to quiet the men, said the witness. That's when the gunman shot Lopez in the chest.
"Suddenly, we saw a gun go off. Right before that, I heard his friends say 'No...don't. Don't' They were trying to stop him from shooting but he did take the shot."
Sherman Oaks resident Farah Ford said she wasn't at the eatery but knew Lopez and that he was married with five children. "It's unbelievable. For nothing. It's sad."
Another resident, Bryan Cherny, called the shooting "very surprising. This seems like a good area. We walk around here all the time, day and night. Never been a problem."
Detectives are looking for the five men. They say all were over 6 feet tall, one being 6'5"-6'7".
Witnesses said the men fled in a dark color Cadillac Escalade parked near Vesper and Ventura Boulevard.
Lawrence says police are asking for the public's help. If you know who the five men are, you're asked to call the Van Nuys division.
Lawrence also spoke to the restaurant's owner who says the store will be closed indefinitely.
