Gang Drive-By Shooting in Valley

Los Angeles: A day time drive-by shooting claimed the life of a 17-year-old in North Hills on Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Detectives are looking for two Hispanic teens, but have little to go on.

The shooting occurred around 12:45 PM, when two teens drove up to Daniel Martinez, a Van Nuys resident, in the 15500 block of Nordoff Street. After some kind of a verbal exchange, one teen fired from the car, striking Martinez. More bullets struck a nearby apartment building. The suspects sped away in the car.

Responding police officers found Martinez lying on the sidewalk, shot in the chest. He died a short time later at a local hospital. Detectives believe the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission Area Homicide Detectives Gene Parshall or Jonathan Weiler at 818-838-9954 or 838-9976. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).