KCPD continues investigation into Southwest Blvd shooting.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City police are investigating after a person in a vehicle shot another driver along Southwest Boulevard.

The vehicle of the driver who was shot drove into the patio of a popular, long-established restaurant, police said.

“Southwest Boulevard is a very busy part of our city,” said Capt. Jake Becchina.

Police said the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Witnesses told police they saw two people walking on Southwest Boulevard under the I-35 bridge.

Police said someone fired shots at the other car, which then drove toward the outdoor dining area of ​​La Bodega.

Police said there was no indication that shots were fired at or inside La Bodega.

“The victim was struck by gunfire. The vehicle then slowly drove toward the restaurant,” Becchina said. “It struck the curb, the seating area and the outdoor patio of that restaurant.”

People dining there called 911.

“The restaurant does not appear to have been the intended target, nor were any of its occupants. It was simply a secondary location where the chain of events ended.”

Becchina said officers found an unconscious man in his vehicle with life-threatening injuries.

A woman who was there for dinner Saturday night said she heard gunshots as she walked to her table outside.

“At that point, we heard three or four shots, and everybody turned around, looked and ducked,” said the witness, who asked not to be identified. “It was a moment where your heart stopped.”

After closing on Sunday, La Bodega reopens its doors on Monday.

She said when the commotion broke out, people rushed to help the injured man in the vehicle. She and others called 911.

She said her family was still in shock.

“I remember being the first one through the door and I remember thinking,” she said, “if the bullet goes through that glass, I should be around the corner, so we crawled to the other side, next to the kitchen.”

The witness praised staff for helping to keep people safe, she said.

“This is a great community, they work hard,” she said, “and I don't want their livelihoods to be affected by individuals making stupid decisions.”

She plans to return to the restaurant soon to show her support.

Detectives are still working to identify the suspects and the vehicle involved.

If you have information that could help investigators, call the Tips Hotline. You can remain anonymous at (816) 474-8477.