Fresno Police searching for suspect in shooting death of Hoover High teen

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Police are searching for the person who shot and killed a 17-year-old in Northeast Fresno.

Andrew Vann was a junior at Hoover High School. Friends remember Vann for his wide smile and upbeat, funny personality.

However, the teen died on a street corner trying to drive away from a church parking lot where police believe a brief confrontation ended in a deadly shooting.

Friday, a longtime friend and mentor of Vann, who did not want to be identified, showed up at the spot where Andrew's young life ended.

"I had seen him Wednesday night and I had told him, you know if anything ever happens to you, or you are worried about anything, call me," he said. "Don't hesitate to call me, I'll always pick up."

Fresno Police won't elaborate on what may have led to the homicide, officers believe Andrew pulled over just as he turned the corner and wasn't able to drive any further.

Jim Mattix is the lead pastor at Northeast Assembly of God, and he is getting concerned about the recent violence in the neighborhood.

"This is the second event, same M.O. that has happened like this in two weeks," Mattix said. "So, there's obviously an element here that is operating in this manner."

Investigators have scoured the neighborhood looking for clues and surveillance video. But the church does not have any security cameras. However, the pastor is hoping to get some soon.

In the meantime, the pastor is praying with Andrew's friends and family members who are heartbroken by his sudden death.

"This is crazy," Mattix said. "He was just 17, and now he's gone."