OCEANSIDE, Calif. — A police investigation is underway for three young suspects after a shooting in an Oceanside parking lot left one person dead Saturday evening, authorities confirmed.
The incident was reported around 4:36 p.m. after an altercation between the suspects, identified as 15-year-old boys, and a 29-year-old man in a parking lot on N Redondo Drive near Vandegrift Boulevard, according to Jennifer Atenza with the police department. Oceanside Police Department.
As the argument escalated, several shots were fired by the teens. The victim was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.
All three suspects then fled. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office ASTREA helicopter assisted deputies in the search throughout the evening.
Details about what led to the shooting are still under investigation by OPD. However, it is currently believed to be an isolated incident that may be gang-related, Atenza said.
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As of 8 p.m., the suspects remain on the run. According to OPD, there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.
The first suspect was last seen with a long ponytail and wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, gray pants and white shoes. He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun, OPD said.
The second suspect was also described as having a long dark brown ponytail. He was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt under a black shirt with long dark pants.
The third suspect was last seen wearing a black baseball cap with white lettering on the front and a black hooded shirt with rolled up sleeves. Authorities said he was also wearing a red backpack.
Atenza said the shooting was not related to another incident in Carlsbad on Saturday in which a 16-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by a police officer.
“It’s disturbing when you hear young people running around with firearms,” she added.
Members of the public are asked to call OPD investigators at 760-435-4900 if they have any information about the incident or where the suspects may be located.
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