Valley Drive-By Shooting Claims One Dead, One Injured

Winnetka: On Wednesday, August 22, 2001, at approximately 8:50 p.m., West Valley patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 20000 block of Saticoy Street. The officers determined that two persons had been shot and were transported to area hospitals. The investigation revealed that 23-year-old Oscar Gomez Serrano and a 16-year-old, along with three additional friends, had gone to a store and were walking back home on Saticoy Street when a vehicle stopped at the curb next to them. The occupants of the vehicle yelled at the group “what gang are you from.” When they replied that they were not associated with any gang, one of the occupants began shooting at them with a handgun. The vehicle then sped off and was last seen westbound Saticoy Street from Oso Street.

Serrano sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to Northridge Hospital where he died from his injuries at 12:10 a.m. His 16-year-old companion sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg and remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The other three friends in the group were not injured.

The suspects were described as male Hispanics with shaved heads. They were driving a black or red vehicle. No suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with this incident. Anyone with information is requested to contact West Valley Homicide Detectives Dave Szabo or Todd Hankle at 818-756-8546 during business hours, or Detective Headquarters Division at 213-485-2505 during off-hours.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.