Los Angeles police Sunday were looking for the driver of a gray Dodge Challenger who allegedly shot and killed a motorist in the northeast San Fernando Valley during a road-rage confrontation Saturday.

The victim, who was driving a red Kia Rio, was wounded near the mouth and was taken to two hospitals before being pronounced dead, said Lt. Kamran Khan of the LAPD’s Mission Division.

Police identified the victim only as 22-year-old male Latino.

Authorities have ruled out any gang-related motive and say the confrontation appears to be a case of road rage.


Around 3 p.m. Saturday, words were exchanged between three occupants of the Kia and two occupants of the Challenger near the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Branford Street.

The suspect’s vehicle followed the Kia as it traveled westbound on Branford in a residential section of Arleta exchanging more words. Moments after emerging from a 5 Freeway underpass, the driver of the Challenger fired a .40-caliber handgun at the Kia’s driver, striking him, Khan said.

A surveillance camera photo capturing both vehicles seconds before the shooting took place has been released to help identify the driver of the Challenger, described as a male Latino in his early 20s with green eyes.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver. Call Mission Division Homicide at (818) 838-9976 and ask for Det. Ryan Verna. Tipsters can also call an anonymous tip line at (800) 222-TIPS, or text at 274637.


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Twitter: @csaillant2

catherine.saillant@latimes.com