Los Angeles police are looking for a motorist who shot a teenager to death during a street argument.

The killing occurred around 7:50 a.m. Thursday in the Sylmar area.

Police say the preliminary investigation reveals that the 17-year-old local resident had an argument with the occupants of a white SUV.

When the teenager attempted to open the door of the SUV, the driver produced a handgun and fired a single shot into the victim.

The victim died at the scene. Authorities have withheld the name pending notification of kin.

Homicide detectives are seeking public help in identifying the motorist.