LOCAL : Gang Gunfight Erupts in Sepulveda Restaurant Parking Lot; No Injuries

A gunfight, apparently between opposing gang members, sent customers diving beneath tables this morning at a Sepulveda fast-food restaurant, but no one was believed injured, police said.

The fight occurred at 2:45 a.m. at Tommy’s Burgers in the 15700 block of Roscoe Boulevard. Although police found only six bullet shells at the scene, a restaurant security guard said 20 to 30 shots were fired during the two-minute exchange.

“There was a whole bunch of shots fired, maybe 20, 30,” said security guard Frank Garrett, 27. “It was a wild gunfight. Before I knew it everybody in Tommy’s parking lot had guns and was shooting. There were more guns than I’ve ever seen.”

Garrett said the shooting began shortly after the arrival of several cars occupied by gang members who regularly go to the restaurant early on Friday mornings after attending Thursday night events at a nearby roller rink.

He said the regulars were eating in their cars in the parking lot when a car containing rival gang members cruised through the lot. Insults and threats were exchanged and then shots were fired, Garrett said. During the melee, Garrett said, he saw one of the gunmen point a weapon at him. He said he fired one shot but missed, then he ducked behind a car.

The suspects had fled in their cars by the time police arrived and no arrests were made. Police said a woman who had been inside the restaurant went out after the shooting to find three bullet holes in the side of her car.