Man Allegedly Shoots Stepson After Crowbar Attack: Police

A 54-year-old man is accused of shooting his stepson in Paradise Hills Monday morning after a violent confrontation, according to police.

Police said the suspect shot his stepson after the he was attacked with a crowbar. The stepson died as a result of his injuries.

Police identified the suspect as 75-year-old Thomas Bethel.

The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. at 5535 Potomac Street. Neighbors told NBC 7 San Diego that the house had been the scene of a lot of noise, trouble and commotion.

"Based upon initial investigation, we have a family disturbance that got out of control," said Lt. Darryl Hoover with the San Diego Police Department.

"We have a family member that has been shot and is deceased. And we have another family member who is in custody at this time for the shooting"

Friends of the family said the shooting victim was living in a house with his sister and nieces.

Police said the victim was shot by Bethel, who showed up with a gun and confronted the stepson over having allegedly punctured the tires of his mother's vehicle outside the house during a social occasion sometime yesterday.

The victim reportedly hit Bethel in the head with a crowbar after a confrontation. Bethel then allegedly fatally shot his stepson.

Bethel was treated at Scripps Mercy Hospital for a head injury, and released Monday evening to detectives for questioning.

The victim's identity has not been confirmed by authorities yet.
 

Follow NBC7 for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts

Contact Us