Richard Eduardo Ruiz, 22

Richard Eduardo Ruiz, a 22-year-old Latino, was fatally wounded Saturday, July 13, in the 13000 block of Branford Street on the border of Arleta, according to L.A. County coroner’s records.

Ruiz was driving a red Kia just after 3 p.m. under the 5 Freeway on Branford Avenue when a single shot came from the male driver of a gray Dodge Challenger as it passed on the right, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release.

Ruiz, of North Hollywood, was taken to a hospital where he died at 4:55 p.m., according to coroner’s records. Two other people in Ruiz’s vehicle were not injured.

The gunman is described as a green-eyed Latino in his early 20s, according to a release from the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Dodge Challenger is an RT model with custom rims, according to the release.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission homicide Det. Ryan Verna at (818) 838-9976. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

-- Nicole Santa Cruz