San Fernando neighbors near recent mass shooting 'shocked' by incident

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

2 3 minutes read

All five victims of a late-night mass shooting on May 25 in the 900 block of North Orange Grove Avenue in San Fernando are in stable condition, and the suspected shooter, Martin Rodriguez, 61, remains in custody, with initial bond set at $9.8 million. amount changed to no deposit.

Neighborhood residents spoke to San Fernando Valley Sun/el Solbut were reluctant to discuss the incident at length and declined to give their names.

Although the motive of the man who allegedly targeted party guests at a home in the 900 block of Orange Grove Avenue has not been reported, neighbors described the people throwing the party as “new residents”, “nice” and “very friendly”.

San Fernando Police Detective Sgt. Pete Aguirre said he could not comment on motive or provide additional details because the investigation was ongoing.

“We heard shots, but there were no screams – it was around 11 a.m. I think people were probably in shock or maybe [the victims] I didn't realize immediately that they had been shot at,” said a neighbor who was watching TV with her daughter when the shooting began. “Then the shooting continued and we heard the screaming start after the fifth or sixth shot.

“At first we thought they were fireworks because they sometimes set off fireworks around here,” she added. “We were so shocked and scared when we realized what was really happening. »

Rodriguez, who resides in the 1900 block of Warren Street, opened fire near Warren Street and Orange Grove Avenue, Aguirre said.

Rodriguez fired on a police helicopter and barricaded himself in his nearby home following the shooting. Several police departments assisted the SFPD, including the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, LAPD and LA County sheriffs.

Two hours after the first shooting, SFPD apprehended and arrested Rodriguez on the porch of his home after using a “less lethal” 40mm projectile launcher — which fires foam rubber bullets — to subdue him, Aguirre said .

Residents who spoke to San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol said they had not seen or heard of Rodriguez before seeing his name and face in news reports.

“I guess he went to that house and started shooting for some reason – I just don’t know why,” the neighbor continued. “I mean, who does that – walks up with a gun and shoots? I couldn't believe it when I found out he lived around the corner [Warren Street].”

A second resident of the neighborhood described the shooting as “pretty serious, especially for a quiet neighborhood like this.”

A third neighbor described the violent incident as “the worst thing that has ever happened in this community.”

“I don't know exactly what happened, but nothing like this has ever happened before since I've been here,” she said, noting that she had lived in the same house for more than 40 years. “I’ve always felt very comfortable here.”

The first neighbor, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 25 years, shared the same ideas.

“We couldn't believe it, because we don't have that kind of [violent] activity here,” she said. “We've had a few break-ins recently, but other than that it was the worst thing since I've lived here. I always felt safe here. Everyone knows each other in this neighborhood.

Rodriguez, who is being held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, was charged with two counts of shooting into an inhabited dwelling and vehicle, two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm against a peace officer and seven counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm against a peace officer. semi-automatic firearm.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 6.