Victim of Ventura Blvd. Shooting Identified

Police today identified the victim of at as Raul Lopez, 38, who was a cook for the restaurant. 

Police are still looking for multiple suspects involved in the shooting, who remain at large.

Lopez was shot in the 14500 block of Ventura Boulevard, just west of Van Nuys Boulevard, about 11:10 p.m. Friday, said Los Angeles police Lt. Jim Gavin of the Van Nuys Station.

Lopez was working inside his place of business when an argument began between him and a suspect, who had brought along four other friends, according to a department statement.

Lopez picked up a chair and forced the suspect and his four friends out of the door with it, police said. Once the men were outside, Lopez reportedly looked up to see the suspect remove a handgun from his clothing.

The suspect fired one shot striking Lopez in the chest. Police said witnesses told them the suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle, possibly a black Cadillac Escalade, parked on Vesper Ave.

Paramedics rushed Lopez to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:02 a.m.

The gunman was described as a black man with a skinny build and short hair, about 5 foot-6 inches tall.

Lopez has been described by patrons as the father of five.

Anyone with information can contact Van Nuys Division at (818) 374-9500 or Van Nuys Homicide Detectives at (818) 374-0040 during normal business hours.

Those persons wishing to remain anonymous can contact 877 ASK-LAPD [877-275-5273]