Sunday, April 4, 2010

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles police were searching Sunday for at least one gunman who killed four people and wounded two others at a San Fernando Valley restaurant.

Investigators believe the victims in Saturday's shooting at the Hot Spot Cafe in Valley Village were targeted, said Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese.

"We don't have a crazed gunman running around North Hollywood that presents an immediate threat to public safety, to anyone in their homes or businesses in the area," Albanese said. "However, this is also not a random act of violence, this was an intentional act."

The Hot Spot Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant on Riverside Drive, was filled with customers when gunfire erupted around 4:40 p.m. Saturday, police said.

Three men died at the scene and another later died at a hospital. Two other people were wounded and expected to survive.

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

A motive for the attack was unknown.

The names of the shooting victims were not immediately released. Police said all were men between 20 and 25 years old.

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.