VEHICLE THIEVES FIRE SHOT AT OWNER

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police seek public help to locate two suspects wanted for stealing a pickup truck and shooting at the vehicle’s owner Tuesday morning shortly before 4 a.m.

The victim called 911 to report that two men had stolen his white, 2001 Toyota Tacoma parked in the 7200 block of Baldrich Street in La Mesa.  He told police that he was alerted to the theft when he heard his dog barking.

He reportedly went outside and saw two strangers, both male, inside his vehicle.  When he confronted them, they tried to flee in his pickup truck.  So, he opened the driver’s door and tried to pull one of the suspects out.

One of the suspects pointed an object that appeared to be a handgun at the victim, who backed away and heard a gunshot. The thieves drove off in the vehicle, heading north on Kiowa Street.

Police found a spent shell casing near where the confrontation occurred.

The suspects are both described as Asian men wearing dark clothing. One was about 5 feet to 5 feet 4 inches tall with a thin build. The other was around 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with a heavy build.

They are wanted for auto theft and assault with a deadly weapon.

If you have any information, please call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or https://www.sdcrimestoppers.org/). You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.