Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect following a shooting incident at the Granada Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles late Wednesday. The incident resulted in the death of a man in his 30s, and a 2-year-old child was also left injured by the gunfire. The shooting, believed to be gang-related, has left residents concerned about the safety of the park.
Late Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Police Department received reports of a shooting at the Granada Hills Recreation Center on Chatsworth Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male teenager with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, a 2-year-old toddler, who was playing on the playground with their mother, was struck by a stray bullet. The child was immediately taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition.
While it remains unclear whether the man and the toddler are related, authorities suspect the shooting to be gang-related. No description of the suspect has been released at this time, and it is believed that at least one suspect is still at large. The incident has left residents living near the park feeling uneasy, as there has been a recent increase in crime in the area.
In the wake of the shooting, several individuals were seen vandalizing the recreation center walls with graffiti in front of news crews. This act further highlights the concerns of residents who have been demanding increased security measures at the park. One neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed the urgent need for security, stating that the situation has become so out of control that immediate action is required to restore safety to the park.
Despite the pleas from residents, city officials have reportedly informed them that they lack the necessary resources to close and secure the park during nighttime hours.
Police are now urging anyone that has information about the shooting to come forward and assist with the investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department encourages individuals to contact them with any relevant details that could aid in identifying and apprehending the suspect.