Investigation underway after man shot and killed near dog park in Venice

VENICE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An investigation was underway in Venice after a man was shot and killed near a dog park, triggering a search for the gunman.

Shots were fired just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday around the Westminster Dog Park on Pacific Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found the man dead in the parking lot. That's where a makeshift memorial was set up several hours later Thursday morning.

Authorities have not released the man's name or age, but locals say was affectionately called "Turtle."

"I just know him from the dog park," said Venice resident named Sherri. "I didn't know him well - nice young man, nice dog...He seemed like a good kid."

Steve Brown knew the victim, saying he was a great kid who would "give you the shirt off his back."

A woman named Lilly who lives nearby told Eyewitness News she saw a rowdy crowd in the area Wednesday night.

"There was a crowd of people partying hard. I know these people, and one of them asked me if I wanted to have a drink. I said no, you guys are partying pretty hard at 5 in the afternoon. I think I'm good. Four hours later, we have the helicopters and everything so... it didn't surprise me."

Detectives scoured the scene overnight, even using a helicopter to try and track down the suspect to no avail.

What led up the shooting, and the relationship between the male suspect and victim remains unknown.