SAN DIEGO (CBS 8/CNS) - A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting death of a man in the Old Town community of San Diego, a police lieutenant said Saturday.
Both the victim, a 35-year-old man, and Johnny Gastelum lived in the Old Town area, where police believe the shooting occurred over a confrontation in the 2200 block of San Diego Avenue, said Lt.Manny Del Toro of the San Diego Police Department.
Police dispatched to the scene at 10:20 p.m. Friday, in response to a 911 call of an injured man on the sidewalk, found the shooting victim suffering from major trauma to his upper body, Del Toro said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Don Zeppernick lives across the street and says he was told the victim was in the military.
"He was a big guy, 6'4", a veteran. Apparently he had a lot of close friends from the military," Zeppernick said.
Officers checked the area for witnesses and suspects, and spoke to Gastelum. A further investigation revealed that he had a handgun and ammunition, Del Toro said.
"Officers and detectives collected evidence and statements that indicate Gastelum was the suspect who shot and killed the male," Del Toro said.
It's unclear what Gastelum and the victim had allegedly been fighting about. Police said they both lived in the neighborhood.
Gastelum was booked into the San Diego Jail on suspicion of murder. The name of the shooting victim will be released pending notification of next of kin, Del Toro said.
The San Diego Police Department's Homicide Unit asked anyone with any information regarding the death to call them at (888) 580-8477.