Police searching for 3 suspects after man killed in shooting at gas station near Beverly Center

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was fatally shot as he was inside an SUV at a Beverly Grove gas station late Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Authorities say the victim, who was described only as a 23-year-old man, took off in a black Cadillac Escalade after he was shot at La Cienega and Beverly boulevards, across the street from the Beverly Center.

Los Angeles police says witnesses heard multiple gunshots and then watched a couple of cars flee the area. The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m., according to LAPD.

LAPD Lt. John Radke said the three suspects opened fire at the gas station from their car and shot the victim while he was in the SUV. It's unclear if there was an exchange of gunfire.

Paramedics were seen treating the gunshot victim after the Escalade stopped at the intersection of Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards in West Hollywood.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where he died.

The victim was with several other people in the SUV, though their conditions are unknown. Deputies found the SUV peppered with bullet holes and a shattered window.

"We don't know why or how this happened, all we know is that the victim vehicle, they pulled up, they were pumping gas and it looks like they probably finished pumping gas and the suspects approached from the alley, got out of the car and started shooting at those victims," Radke said.

Radke said the three suspects took off in a white four-door sedan though a make and model were not immediately available.

At least one person was seen being detained by law enforcement at the West Hollywood scene. Radke said that person may have been in the SUV with the victim and was being questioned.

Radke said officers are still interviewing several witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.