Vista Shooting: Man Arrested After Allegedly Firing Gun Into the Air
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A man was taken into custody Tuesday following an incident where he allegedly discharged more than a dozen 9mm rounds into the air while driving near Vista High School last weekend. The suspect, identified as Sergio Abrego, 42, faces multiple weapons charges after a swift response from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire.
Initial Reports and Witness Accounts
The incident unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. on Sunday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched to the area of Anza Avenue and Arcadia Avenue after receiving reports of gunfire. “Upon arrival, deputies contacted witnesses who reported a silver Lexus sedan had traveled through the intersection,” stated a department spokesperson. “Witnesses stated an occupant in the vehicle fired a handgun into the air multiple times.”
Investigators quickly secured the scene and began collecting evidence. A search of the area revealed a total of 14 shell casings scattered near the intersection, indicating a significant discharge of a firearm.
Pursuit and Apprehension
While deputies were canvassing the area, a sheriff’s patrol helicopter crew spotted the suspect vehicle – the silver Lexus – parked outside an apartment complex in the 900 block of Arcadia Avenue, approximately one block east of the initial shooting location. According to authorities, the airborne personnel observed the driver, later identified as Abrego, exiting the vehicle, briefly dropping a handgun before retrieving it.
Deputies subsequently located and apprehended Abrego without incident.
Evidence Recovered and Charges Filed
At the time of his arrest, authorities allege Abrego was found to be concealing a machete and a loaded 9mm pistol magazine on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle and the immediate area yielded further evidence. Deputies recovered a “ghost gun” – an unserialized, privately made firearm – equipped with an extended magazine near where Abrego was detained. An additional two shell casings were discovered on the driver’s-side floor of the Lexus.
Abrego was booked into county jail in Vista on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and multiple other weapons violations, according to sheriff’s officials. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to analyze the recovered evidence and determine the full extent of the suspect’s actions.
