Fear Among Neighbors Slows Probe of Shooting

Authorities say their investigation of a drive-by shooting near West Covina that left 14 people wounded--including a 21-month-old child--is being frustrated by uncooperative residents of the once-quiet suburban neighborhood.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies said they have yet to uncover a motive, despite going door to door on Monday seeking information on the bloody Friday night assault, which came during a family celebration of a relative’s release from state prison.

“It’s extremely frustrating. . . . I would think it might shock them (neighbors) and force them to get involved in this investigation,” said Sgt. Scott Coleman of the sheriff’s City of Industry substation. “There were a lot of innocent people injured.”

Coleman noted that lack of cooperation is typical among witnesses of gang-style shootings who fear retaliation.

Investigators have few clues beyond sometimes contradictory witness statements about the number of suspects, the type of vehicle involved and the weapons used. Authorities also said the incident differs from most drive-by shootings.

“Gangs don’t normally do this kind of shooting--they usually don’t hit children and women,” said Lt. Chuck Bradley, a gang investigator since 1962. “Right now, we’re not ruling anything out--it could have been drug, prison or gang-related.”

The victims were gathered on a patio alongside a home owned by 60-year-old Tony Lopez on Evanwood Avenue in the city of Valinda to celebrate the return from prison of his 32-year-old son. Lopez said his son served two years “for warrants” in Northern California.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Friday, gunmen in a passing car fired more than 30 rounds at the group, sending adults and children scrambling for cover. Besides the 21-month-old toddler, the wounded included three boys ages 6, 9 and 11. A 63-year-old woman also was struck by gunfire. None of the victims were critically injured.

On Tuesday, members of the Lopez family, including a young man with a bandaged arm and on crutches, refused to talk to a reporter.

Residents in the working-class neighborhood of 30-year-old ranch-style homes expressed feelings ranging from fear to nonchalance about the attack, which one woman said sounded like “machine gun fire.”

“We don’t know who knows who around here. So we keep our mouth shut,” said a 24-year-old mother of three school-age children. “We only discuss it indoors.”