SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. (July 9, 2024): A deputy-involved shooting occurred this morning near a bike trail on Calle Arroyo in San Juan Capistrano. The suspect, a 41-year-old man, is believed to have killed two elderly victims and their dog before being contacted by deputies.
At 7:36 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, deputies responded to reports of a domestic assault in the 32000 block of Alipaz Street in a mobile home community in San Juan Capistrano.
Deputies arrived on scene and found a 79-year-old woman, a 77-year-old man and their dog deceased. The cause of death is pending and remains under investigation.
As deputies were on scene, they received an update from OC Sheriff dispatch that the suspect had chased a maintenance worker in the mobile home community and stole a golf cart.
The suspect drove the golf cart along a bike trail, exiting near Calle Arroyo. He was encountered by an OC Sheriff Community Services Officer, who reported the suspect’s location to dispatch.
A deputy arrived on scene at approximately 7:50 a.m., contacted the suspect and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was struck multiple times and the deputy rendered aid until the Orange County Fire Authority arrived.
The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he is in critical, but stable, condition. No deputies were injured.
Investigators believe the victims and the suspect are related but are working to confirm the familial relationship. Identities of the victims are being withheld pending official identification by the Orange County Coroner Division and notification to next of kin.
Due to the potential familial relationship between the suspect and the victims, the suspect’s identity will not be released at this time.
Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Deputies in San Juan Capistrano are equipped with body-worn cameras. Footage from the incident will be released in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information related to the homicide is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency line at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers by visiting ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
