Community Corner

North Hollywood Man Killed in Road Rage Shooting

Authorities Monday identified a motorist killed in Arleta in a car-to-car shooting that police say was a motivated by road rage, and detectives continued their search for the shooter.

The shooting occurred just after 3 p.m. Saturday on Branford Avenue as the victim's red Kia and the suspect's gray late model Dodge Challenger passed under the Golden State (5) Freeway, said Lt. Paul Vernon of the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Detective Division.

Richard Eduardo Ruiz, 22, of North Hollywood died at a hospital about two hours later, said coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter.

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Detectives circulated a picture of the two cars that was taken by a surveillance camera.

"A camera in the area captured the gray Challenger passing the victim's red Kia on Branford Avenue, just moments before the fatal shot occurred," Vernon said. "We hope the image might prompt someone to recognize the car and tie it to the owner."

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Two passengers were not injured and have told investigators the shooter was a Hispanic man with green eyes.

"With the car's detailed description and the distinct eye color of the suspect, these clues go beyond the typical general descriptors, so we hope they will generate some good leads," Vernon said.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to call LAPD homicide Detective Ryan Verna  at (818) 838-9976. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or placed online at www.LAPDOnline.org.


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