One week ago a bystander was struck by a stray bullet outside an El Cajon liquor store. Now, detectives are asking for the public’s help in cracking the case.
On Nov. 7, just before 5 p.m., an unknown man was seen arguing with two other men in the parking lot in front of Shinar Pizza and Market located at 240 East Bradley Ave.
According to deputies, the suspect walked into the liquor store and then immediately walked outside to continue the argument. After passing the two other men and their vehicle in the parking lot, the suspect pulled a handgun from his sweatshirt, investigators said.
As the suspect walked across the street, the group continued to argue.
While this happened, an SUV occupied by three women and three young children parked in the lot.
The suspect, still across the street, fired several rounds from his gun at the men. The rounds missed the men, but one round struck one of the women in the SUV, investigators said.
The woman sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Though none of the other bystanders in the SUV were injured, deputies said several rounds fired by the suspect nearly struck the children in the back seat of the SUV.
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The unknown gunman fled the scene and was last seen running eastbound on East Bradley Ave.
On Wednesday, officials confirmed the suspect is still at large. The two other men targeted by the shooter also fled the scene and have not been identified.
Investigators have now released surveillance photographs of the shooting suspect in hopes of tracking him down. Deputies describe him as a black male adult. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, striped gloves, black shorts and red high-top Converse sneakers during the incident.
Surveillance footage also captured images of the two victims alongside the suspect during their altercation in the parking lot (see photos below).
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect or victims should contact the Santee Sheriff’s Station at (619) 956-4000 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
