San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comMental competency trial ordered for man accused of shooting at vehicles on San Diego freeways

Mental competency trial ordered for man accused of shooting at vehicles on San Diego freeways

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A mental competency trial was ordered Wednesday for a man accused of wounding a motorist in a freeway shooting spree last fall that stretched from National City to Del Mar.

Enrique Ayon, 25, of Lancaster, is charged with eight counts, including two counts of attempted murder, and faces more than 63 years to life in state prison if convicted.

Ayon's attorney, Zaki Zehawi, told Judge Frederick Maguire that Ayon wanted a trial to determine his mental competency.

But the defendant interrupted the judge, saying "I want to get this over with," and telling Maguire he wanted a new lawyer.

Maguire denied the request and said criminal proceedings will remain suspended until the trial next month.

So far, Ayon has been evaluated by two doctors to determine whether he understands the charges against him and can assist his attorney at trial. Their conclusions were not made public.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Moon alleged that Ayon crashed his Chevrolet Malibu through a security gate near the U.S.-Mexico border the morning of Oct. 3 before launching a "terrifying shooting spree" on northbound Interstate 805 in National City.

Ayon allegedly pointed a gun directly at a motorist, then fired a shot into the rear door of the victim's car. A short time later, he fired another shot on the same freeway near Mesa College Drive in Serra Mesa, wounding a 26-year-old man in the leg, the prosecutor alleged.

Ayon also is accused of firing a round in the area near I-805 and state Route 163, where two California Highway Patrol officers were assisting a motorist, Moon said. A few minutes later, Ayon allegedly fired two shots into an ambulance on Interstate 5 near Del Mar.

Ayon was caught the following day in Los Angeles County.

Police said none of the victims reported having had any type of contact or communication with the driver of the Malibu before coming under fire.

Authorities believe Ayon acted alone, although a motive has not been determined.

In addition to attempted murder, Ayon is charged with three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle and one count each of discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, hit-and-run driving and vandalism.