A birthday celebration at a California pizza restaurant ended in tragedy after a young father was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight, according to Los Angeles police.
The incident happened Saturday night at Red West Pizza in Wilmington, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. Authorities said 26-year-old Andres Castellas was celebrating his birthday with family and friends when violence broke out inside the restaurant.
Police say two women became involved in a physical altercation. Castellas reportedly stepped in to separate them before a male suspect opened fire. Castellas died at the scene, while another man who worked at the restaurant was injured.
Investigators are continuing to search for the gunman, who fled after the shooting.
Incident
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting at Red West Pizza on Saturday evening. When officers arrived, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities said Andres Castellas had been struck during the confrontation. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
A restaurant employee in his 20s was also injured during the shooting. Police stated that his injuries were not considered life-threatening, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Investigators believe the shooting began after an argument between two women escalated into a fight inside the restaurant.
Incident Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Andres Castellas |
| Age | 26 |
| Location | Red West Pizza, Wilmington |
| Type of Incident | Fatal shooting |
| Second Victim | Restaurant employee |
| Injury Status | Non-life-threatening |
| Suspect Status | Outstanding |
| Investigating Agency | LAPD |
Celebration
Family members and friends had gathered at the restaurant to celebrate Castellas’ 26th birthday. A fundraiser created after the shooting described the evening as a happy occasion before the violence occurred.
The GoFundMe page stated that Castellas was “surrounded by love and happiness” moments before the shooting.
The fundraiser also described him as an innocent victim who was attempting to help during the altercation.
According to police, Castellas was not part of the original dispute. Investigators said he intervened in an effort to stop the fight before the suspect fired the weapon.
Investigation
Police said the suspected shooter left the restaurant immediately after the gunfire. Authorities described the suspect as a Hispanic male believed to be between 20 and 25 years old.
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been announced.
Detectives are reviewing evidence collected from the scene, including possible surveillance footage and witness statements. Investigators are also asking members of the public to provide information that could help identify the suspect.
Law enforcement officials often rely on nearby surveillance cameras and eyewitness accounts in cases involving shootings in public places. Businesses in commercial areas may also provide additional footage that could assist investigators in tracking movements before and after the incident.
Police Information
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Did the suspect flee? | Yes |
| Was Castellas involved in the original fight? | No |
| Was another person injured? | Yes |
| Has an arrest been made? | No |
| What agency is investigating? | LAPD |
Community
Residents in Wilmington expressed concern following the shooting. Red West Pizza is known locally as a family restaurant frequently visited by area residents.
One local resident who spoke with KNBC said the incident was troubling because families and children regularly gather there.
“There’s a lot of kids there all the time,” the resident said. “It’s scary to see that when you can have a family moment, something like this can happen.”
Community reactions following incidents like this often reflect broader concerns about public safety in everyday settings such as restaurants and shopping areas. While violent incidents at family businesses remain relatively uncommon, events involving firearms in public spaces continue to draw attention from residents and local officials.
Family
The fundraiser created for Castellas’ family highlighted the emotional impact of the loss. Organizers described the shooting as a tragedy that occurred during what should have been a memorable family celebration.
“What makes this loss even harder is that Andres was innocent,” the fundraiser stated. “He did not deserve for his life to be taken away so tragically.”
The page also noted that Castellas leaves behind loved ones now coping with grief and unexpected financial burdens related to funeral expenses and family support.
Friends and relatives have continued sharing messages online remembering him as a caring father and family member.
Public Safety
The incident has also renewed discussion around safety during public disputes and violent confrontations. Experts generally advise people to remain cautious during physical altercations, particularly when the possibility of weapons exists.
At the same time, situations involving fights in crowded public places can develop quickly and unpredictably. Witnesses often attempt to intervene in hopes of preventing injuries or calming tensions.
Restaurants and businesses increasingly use surveillance systems and employee safety procedures to respond to emergencies, though incidents involving firearms can still unfold rapidly.
Law enforcement agencies commonly encourage witnesses to immediately contact police during violent situations rather than physically intervene when possible.
Response
Police continue asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators. Tips from witnesses or nearby residents may help authorities identify the suspect and establish a timeline of events leading up to the shooting.
The death of Andres Castellas has left family members and community residents mourning a life lost during what began as a family celebration. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on locating the suspect and determining the full circumstances surrounding the shooting at the Wilmington restaurant.
FAQs
Who was Andres Castellas?
He was a 26-year-old father from California.
Where did the shooting occur?
At Red West Pizza in Wilmington, Los Angeles.
Did another victim survive?
Yes, a restaurant employee survived.
Has police arrested the suspect?
No, the suspect remains at large.
Why did Castellas approach the fight?
Police say he tried to stop the altercation.
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