Salvage yard security guard arrested after firing at suspected shoplifter
CHULA VISTA CA March 1 2022 Chula Vista police arrested two people Sunday after a security guard at an auto-parts salvage yard opened fire as a suspected shoplifter, police said.
The incident occurred shortly before 11:15 a.m. at the recycling yard on Energy Way near Nirvana Avenue.
A 28-year-old man allegedly tried to take auto parts from the salvage yard without paying and was confronted by a security guard, said police Lt. Scott Adkins.
After an altercation, the suspected shoplifter got behind the wheel of a vehicle and drove off.
The security guard fired several rounds at the car, which had a passenger inside. No one was struck.
Police located the vehicle about three miles away at Main Street and Melrose Avenue and arrested the driver on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and robbery.
Police also arrested the 32-year-old security guard on suspicion of willfully discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, Adkins said.
A bystander was hit by flying debris, possibly broken glass or a bullet fragment, and suffered a “very minor” injury, Adkins said.
