In brief: Gangs suspected in diner killings

Los Angeles – A gunman opened fire at a mom-and-pop restaurant in Valley Village northwest of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, killing four people and wounding at least two others, Los Angeles police said.

The Hot Spot Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant, was packed with customers when a man walked in and opened fire around 4:40 p.m., according to police officials.

He remained at large late Saturday.

The killer was a white male in his 30s, said Los Angeles police Officer Rosario Herrera.

Law enforcement sources, who asked not to be identified because the investigation is ongoing, said they believe the shooting might have involved Armenian gangs.

Girl handcuffed at school sues city

New York – A 12-year-old girl who was hauled out of her New York City school in handcuffs for doodling on her desk has started legal action against the city over her arrest.

A lawyer for Alexa Gonzalez filed legal papers seeking $1 million in damages, saying the Queens girl was subjected to overly harsh treatment.

Alexa was arrested at her junior high school in February after scribbling “I love my friends Abby and Faith” on her desk with an erasable marker.

Her family’s lawyer says school officials overreacted by calling the police.

The Department of Education acknowledges the arrest was a mistake. The city’s legal department has declined to comment on the lawsuit.