Gang shooting injures one on South Vine

One individual was injured by a .45 caliber bullet on South Vine Street Saturday night, August 7, in an apparent gang shooting.

According to Sheriff’s detective Jim Pucillo, a group of individuals were walking on South Vine at approximately 10:15 p.m. when a lowered Honda with tinted windows drove up to the individuals and made a 90-degree turn.

Suspects inside the vehicle began shooting at the victims, spraying the area with .45 caliber rounds and hitting another vehicle. Pucillo stated a bullet hit one individual in the leg, going completely through.

“The victim was lucky that the bullet didn’t hit any major arteries. These are pretty powerful bullets,” said Pucillo. “The bullet went through the leg, and the victim was able to be treated at the hospital and released.”

The suspects fled the scene in their vehicle. Pucillo stated that witnesses in the area and the victims did not give a clear description of the vehicle, only saying that the vehicle had chrome rims.

Individuals near a local gas station and fast food restaurant heard the shooting and called authorities.

According to witnesses, the individuals may have been affiliated with Vista gangs. Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron McCracken stated there “may be a possibility” that the suspects were Vista gang members.

“The two gangs have been going back and forth with each other, but had never used a gun,” said McCracken.

If anyone has any information pertinent to this incident, call the Sheriff’s substation at (760) 451-3100.

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