FALLBROOK, Calif. (KGTV) — The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has identified the 76-year-old man suspected of killing one person and injuring two others in a shooting in North San Diego County on Friday afternoon.
“This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by this tragedy,” San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez said.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, deputies received a call around 2:44 p.m. about a shooting at a nursery in the 3100 block of Reche Road in Fallbrook.
@NorthCountyFire is on scene of an incident involving several patients with gunshot injuries. @SDSOFallbrook is also on scene. Please avoid this area. Reche Road is currently closed from Rabbit Hill to Scooter Lane. pic.twitter.com/FHMOxBFF1q
— North County Fire Protection District (@NorthCountyFire) February 10, 2023
When they arrived, deputies found two victims outside of a barn on the property with apparent gunshot wounds to their upper torsos, Homicide Lieutenant Chris Steffen said.
One victim was a 35-40-year-old woman who is believed to be the suspect's daughter, and the other was a man between 65-70-years-old, Lieutenant Steffen said. Both were taken to the hospital for surgery and are expected to survive.
As deputies continued to search and found the third victim, a man between 55-60-year-old dead, inside the barn. His identity is unknown at this time. While in the barn, deputies contacted a person inside the barn, later identified as 75-year-old Enrique Barajas Gutierrez, Lieutenant Steffen said. Gutierrez was arrested and taken to the Fallbrook Sheriff's Station without incident.
At this time, there is no further threat to the community.
A man is in custody in connection with the shooting in Fallbrook. Be aware of the following road closures:
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) February 11, 2023
Reche Road is closed between Old Highway 395 and Gird Road. This remains an active crime scene. Please stay away from the area.@SDSOFallbrook @NorthCountyFire pic.twitter.com/fgIx1IrFBB
Lieutenant Steffen said they are still working on identifying the relationship between Gutierrez and the other two victims.
San Diego County Sheriff's Homicide Detail is on the scene and is leading the investigation.
The gun used in the shooting is believed to be a rifle, but the type and caliber are unknown, Lieutenant Steffen said. The motivation and circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), as well as Carlsbad, Escondido and Oceanside Police Departments, assisted in this case.
Reche Road was closed between Old Highway 395 and Gird Road.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
