Reseda : Suspect, 22, Arraigned in Drive-By Shooting
A 22-year-old Encino man and alleged gang member pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder and attempted murder in connection with a weekend drive-by shooting at a Reseda Popeye’s Fried Chicken, officials said.
Daniel Mejia entered his plea in Van Nuys Municipal Court and was ordered held on $2.6-million bail for the Saturday night attack that left 16-year-old Samuel Barrios, an associate of a rival gang, dead and four others wounded, a clerk said.
Another man who was arrested Tuesday night with Mejia in the shooting, 22-year-old Freddy Gonzalez, was freed Thursday due to insufficient evidence, Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Cohen said. Police allege that Mejia drove past the Popeye’s in the 18300 block of Vanowen Street about 10 p.m. Saturday, intent on shooting a member of a rival gang.
Cohen said Mejia was also charged with attempted murder for shooting and wounding a 20-year-old Reseda man an hour before the Popeye’s attack, as well as attempted murder for allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his getaway car Saturday night.
Police say they expect additional arrests in the Popeye’s shooting.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
