Doctor found shot outside Woodland Hills Medical Center

Police are asking the public for help in locating the person who shot a doctor outside a medical center in Woodland Hills on Friday.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, it happened around 5:30 p.m. in front of the Woodland Hills Medical Clinic and Urgent Care in the 5900 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard as the victim was walking to his car.

Investigators identified the victim as 61-year-old Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, who worked at the Warner Plaza Urgent Care medical center. He worked as both a general practitioner and an emergency room doctor, friends told KCAL News.

When officers arrived, they found Mirshojae's body on the ground next to a white SUV. Several bullet casings were also discovered nearby.

As investigators learned, the suspect, whose identity has not yet been established, fled the area on foot.

A family friend says Mirshojae got married about a year ago and has a six-month-old daughter. They were both visiting relatives in Turkey but are on their way home after hearing the tragic news.

“How can it happen that someone kills someone who is a doctor and always helps people,” said Maryam Alaei, a friend of the family. “He was shot, we can't believe it.”

“He was the nicest person ever. He was there for you, he did everything for you,” said Pania Mazaheri, a former patient. “Whenever you needed something, he was always there for you, 24/7.”

Police have not yet released a description of the suspect or a motive for the shooting.

Anyone who knows more or may have seen something is asked to contact LAPD detectives at (818) 756-4800.