San Diego police (SDPD) have identified the suspect who allegedly shot a fellow employee at his workplace in Carmel Mountain Ranch.
Julio Riel Narvaez, 54, was booked into San Diego Central Jail on one felony charge of attempted murder, officials confirmed. Narvaez is due in court on Thursday, June 22.
About half the employees were sent home early Wednesday as they recover from the traumatic event.
Police said an employee at the Phamatech business in the 15000 block of Innovation Drive was arguing with a fellow employee around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday when he shot the victim in the head.
An employee was able to take the shooter down in the back of the building, police said. Another employee kicked the gun away. Once police arrived, the gunman was already tied up by coworkers.
Staff members were held inside for questioning until around 4:30 p.m.
"It's kinda scary thinking about someone coming in and trying to shoot someone from work," said Hussein Alsawad, an employee who works at the Phamatech. "I thought it was really safe until now."
Paramedics were requested at the scene for one patient. Police said the victim is in critical condition but was speaking and conscious before being taken to the hospital.
When asked about the work environment, Alsawad said most of his coworkers are pleasant and relaxed, making the shooting difficult to foresee.
“It’s pretty chill. Everyone’s really friendly in there, so something wasn’t expected to happen," said Alsawad.
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The suspect drove a brand new Black Ford Escape with no license plate. Uber and Lyft stickers were visible on the windshield. The suspect could be seen on surveillance footage.
The shooting remains under investigation.
No other information was immediately available.
