California Jogger Filmed Killing Man Who Blocked His Path
In a shocking turn of events, a California jogger has been accused of killing a man who was blocking his path. According to prosecutors from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the incident took place on the afternoon of Sept. 28 in the 10400 block of Katella Avenue, just 2 miles from Disneyland.
The jogger, identified as Craig Sumner Elliot, 68, of Garden Grove, was reportedly on a run with two dogs and a pushcart when he came across Antonio Garcia Avalos, 40, an unhoused man sleeping across the sidewalk. Prosecutors allege that Elliott attempted to wake Avalos up by nudging him with his pushcart, to which Avalos responded by yelling at Elliot to get away from him.
It is said that Elliot then began filming the encounter, and according to video reviewed by prosecutors, Avalos threw a shoe at Elliot. In response, Elliot allegedly shot Avalos three times. The district attorney’s office revealed that Elliot had a concealed carry permit issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is a tragic set of circumstances that unfolded in the worst possible way over a minor inconvenience of a blocked sidewalk, and a man is dead as a result,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.
On Nov. 17, Elliot was arrested on suspicion of felony voluntary manslaughter, but was released after posting his $100,000 bail. He is set to appear in court on Dec. 15 for an arraignment, as the case continues to unfold.
The incident has sparked outrage and disbelief in the community, with many expressing shock at the extreme response to a minor altercation. As the case moves forward, the details of the encounter and the events leading up to the tragic outcome will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.