Broad daylight shooting at Valinda playground gets Gloria Molina’s attention

A shooting Wednesday afternoon at Sunshine Park in Valinda caused Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina’s office to issue a statement assuring residents that the county is doing everything it can to combat violence in the Valinda corridor.

The shooting is one of several dozen in the neighborhood since March. Sheriff’s detectives note there is a drug/turf battle in the area, with several gangs taking part. 
Here’s the latest story on Wednesday’s shooting and its aftermath.

EAST VALINDA – Deputies are looking for suspects who opened fire at three teens in a drive-by shooting Wednesday afternoon at a crowded park.

No one was injured in the shooting, which occurred about 3 p.m. at Sunshine Park, 515 S. Deepmead Ave.

Sheriff’s Lt. Hiroshi Yokoyama said three teens were walking in the area of the park when a black Nissan, possibly an Altima, drove by.

“The front passenger started shooting at them,” he said.

The teens, ages 16 to 17, fled. Yokoyama said the vehicle carried two to three men, and the shooter used a handgun.

Authorities said the park was full at the time, and the shooting prompted several people to call 9-1-1.

As a result of the incident, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina said park programs have been canceled until further notice.

“We have worked very hard to create a safe, beautiful and user-friendly park,” Molina said in a statement.

“I am outraged at today’s act of violence at our park – a place our community considers a haven and where our children and families gather.”


View Sunshine Park in a larger map

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