Man Shot in Ramona Was Picking Fruit in Yard: Witness

A neighbor says a 59-year-old Ramona man who isn't expected to survive after being shot Thursday night was picking fruit on his land when he was struck, and they can't understand why he'd be a target.

San Diego County Sheriff's deputies found the man with gunshot wounds to his upper body in the 1800 block of La Brea Street, near Pickford Street, around 7 p.m.

"He's a hard worker. I can't really talk, it's just been tough," a neighbor named Jose told NBC 7. Jose said he's a friend to the victim's son.

Jose said the victim lives on La Brea Street and was in his side yard picking fruit from a tree when he was shot. He said he didn't hear any gunshots.

Another neighbor, Marcelino Benevides, didn't hear any shots either but saw and heard the deputies respond.

"I thought three or four people got shot," said Benevides, adding that he doesn't think his neighborhood is safe. "There's a lot of crime going around, especially in Ramona, it's not a little town. There are a lot of gangs and a lot of crime."

Jose described the victim as friendly, and said he taught him a lot about construction.

"According to medical staff at the hospital, the victim is not likely to survive," sheriff's Lt. Chris Steffen said.

The Sheriff's Department has not identified the victim.

Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-888-580-8477 or at www.sdcrimestoppers.org.