Two suspects arrested in gang-related shooting at Burbank park
Just before 6 p.m., Thursday, firefighters heard shots fired and responded to Robert Lundigan Park in Burbank, where they found a 21-year-old man in the street with a gunshot wound, police said.
Burbank police have arrested two suspects who are believed to be the triggerman and the instigator of a gang-related shooting at Lundigan Park Thursday evening, officials said.
Erik Manooki, a 19-year-old gang member from Sunland, and 22-year-old Candice Richardson of Burbank, were arrested Friday, according to a release from the Burbank Police Department.
Police believe Manooki, urged by Richardson in an act of gang retaliation, shot a 21-year-old man Thursday evening at the park, located at 2701 Thornton Avenue.
Just before 6 p.m., firefighters nearby heard shots fired and responded to the scene, where they found the victim in the street with a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in good condition.
One man was seen running from the scene and entering a vehicle, described as a four-door Lexus, occupied by two people, including a woman. The Lexus took off heading west on Thornton.
With information taken from people at and nearby the scene of the shooting, detectives tracked down a car they were familiar with and fit the description of the getaway vehicle.
On Friday morning, detectives observed Manooki get into the Lexus and drive to a home in the 200 block of South Keystone Street in Burbank. He was later seen exiting the home with Richardson and entering a different car and driving away.
At around 11 a.m., investigators, with assistance from patrol officers, stopped the car and detained the pair.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Lexus and found a revolver with empty casings in the cylinder. The revolver is believed to be the gun used in the shooting, the release stated.
Manooki and Richardson were booked for attempted murder with an allegation that the crime was committed to benefit a criminal street gang.
Manooki is being held in lieu of $2,066,000 bail. Richardson’s bail has been set at $2,040,571. The bail amounts include prior warrants each had for their arrests. They are both due to appear in court Tuesday, Feb. 9.
A third person in the Lexus was identified and interviewed by detectives but not arrested as of Friday evening, police said.
Police are continuing to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Detective Mike Edwards at 818-238-3210. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
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Brian Park, brian.park@latimes.com
Twitter: @TheBrianPark
