Neighbors in San Fernando near the site of the recent mass shooting are “shocked” by the incident

All five victims of a late-night mass shooting on May 25 in the area of 900 North Orange Grove Avenue in San Fernando are in stable condition, and the suspected gunman, Martin Rodriguez, 61, remains in custody. His original bail of $9.8 million has been reduced to no bail.

Residents of the area spoke to the San Fernando Valley Sun/el SolHowever, they did not want to discuss the incident further and refused to give their names.

While no motive is known for the man who apparently targeted partygoers at a home in the 900 block of Orange Grove Avenue, neighbors described the partygoers as “newer residents,” “nice” and “very friendly.”

Detective Sgt. Pete Aguirre of the San Fernando Police Department said he could not comment on the motive or provide further details because the investigation is still ongoing.

“We heard gunshots, but there were no screams – it was around 11. I think people were probably in shock or (the victims) may not have realized right away that they were shot,” said a neighbor who was at home watching TV with her daughter when the shooting started. “Then the shooting continued and we heard the screams after the fifth or sixth shot.

“We thought it was fireworks at first because they sometimes set off fireworks here,” she added. “We were so shocked and so scared when we realized what was really happening.”

Rodriguez, who lives in the 1900 block of Warren Street, opened fire near Warren Street and Orange Grove Avenue, Aguirre said.

Rodriguez shot at a police helicopter and barricaded himself in his nearby home after the rampage. Several police agencies assisted the SFPD, including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Departments.

Two hours after the first shooting, San Francisco Police arrested Rodriguez on the porch of his home after subduing him with a “less-lethal” 40mm projectile launcher – which fires foam rubber bullets – Aguirre said.

Residents who are San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol said they had never seen or heard of Rodriguez before seeing his name and face on the news.

“I guess he went up to this house and started shooting for some reason – I just don’t know why,” the neighbor continued. “I mean, who does something like that – just walks up with a gun and just shoots? I couldn’t believe it when I found out he lives around the corner on (Warren Street).”

A second resident described the shooting as “pretty bad, especially for a quiet area like this.”

A third neighbor described the violent incident as “the worst thing that has ever happened to this community.”

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but nothing like this has ever happened in all the years I’ve been here,” she said, noting that she has lived in the same house for over 40 years. “I’ve always felt so comfortable here.”

The first neighbor, who has lived in the area for more than 25 years, expressed similar thoughts.

“We couldn’t believe it because we don’t have that kind of (violent) activity here,” she said. “We’ve had a few break-ins recently, but other than that, this is the worst I’ve ever experienced since I’ve lived here. I’ve always felt safe here. Everyone knows everyone on this block.”

Rodriguez, who is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Downtown LA, was charged with two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling and a vehicle, two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm on a police officer and seven counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

His next court date is scheduled for June 6.

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