The shooting outside a Dorchester McDonald’s Thursday afternoon that left a young man dead appears to have been a case of road rage, according to law enforcement officials with knowledge of the situation.

The 21-year-old was shot to death at about 4:12 p.m. Thursday as he exited the parking lot of the fast-food franchise at 511 Gallivan Blvd.

Police have not named him, and his family members asked for privacy as they grieve.

Witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots close together, and Boston Police said Thursday that they were searching for a vehicle seen fleeing the scene. Another vehicle was also struck by gunfire, but no one from that vehicle was hurt.

Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com.