Police have identified a suspect wanted for a shooting and the man he killed in El Cajon on Wednesday, police said.
The shooting happened in the 900 block of Peach Avenue in El Cajon at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday near the parking lot of an apartment complex.
Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Donald Ray Lewis, 40, of El Cajon, who they say is armed and dangerous. Police said witness testimony and surveillance video lead to them naming him as a suspect. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.
Lewis is roughly 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 190 pounds with brown eyes, police said. They do not know what car he may be driving.
The victim, identified as James Melvin Crawford Jr. of El Cajon, was found lying in the street with a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was taken to the hospital, where he was set to undergo surgery. However, he died shortly thereafter, officials said.
According to witnesses, the victim and suspect got into some sort of verbal argument before shots rang out.
Neighbor Paul Brown told NBC 7 he heard three gunshots. He said the shooting is very worrisome for residents, especially since the suspect was not immediately caught.
“If he has the nerve to do that, he can do it again,” said Brown. “They need to catch him. They need to catch him.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311 or remain anonymous and contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at (888) 580-8477.
