Crime & Safety
State Park Rangers Locate Suspected Gunman in San Clemente
The shooting occurred in Dana Point.
After a fruitless search Sunday for an alleged gunman who shot a man in Dana Point Sunday, State Park Rangers located the suspect early this morning.
Julian St. John was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, according to an Orange County Sheriff's Department press release. He's being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The shooting was at a house in the 32500 block of Crete Road and was reported about 10 a.m., Lt. Jeff Hallock said. The house is about one mile inland from Monarch Bay, off Crown Valley Parkway.
The 56-year-old male victim was shot in the hand and also suffered lacerations to his head, according to Hallock. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The victim indicated that following the shooting, St. John stole his Mercedes Benz SUV parked in the driveway and fled the scene, according to the press release. About 30 minutes later, the abandoned vehicle was located in the San Onofre area.
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Deputies were also able to locate a handgun that is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, according to the press release.
The search was on until about 6 p.m. Sunday. Bloodhounds were brought in and resources were also deployed from the U.S. Marine base at Camp Pendleton, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, said Hallock.
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At approximately 2:50 a.m., St. John was located by State Park Rangers near their gate off Basilone Road in San Clemente, according to the press release.
The suspect and victim are acquaintances, Hallock told City News Service.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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