17-year-old shot dead in San Marcos; no arrests made

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Authorities are searching for a suspect after a 17-year-old was shot dead in San Marcos Wednesday night.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Palomar Hospital called around 11:30 p.m. to report the victim had arrived to the emergency room with a gunshot would to his upper torso.

Responding deputies learned that the teen had been transported to the medical faculty by two companions.

A further investigation revealed that a group of people were standing in the parking lot of a business center in the 900 block of Los Vallecitos Boulevard, which is located along the 78 freeway.

While in the parking lot, authorities said an unknown vehicle reportedly pulled over. At that time, an armed individual allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired several rounds towards the group.

Lt. Mike Krugh with the sheriff's department said, "A person showed up and an altercation ensued. During the altercation, somebody pulled out a gun and fired several rounds. One of the 17-year-olds that was out there was struck -- I'm not sure how many rounds -- in the upper body."

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but the teen did not survive his injuries. The victim's identity is being withheld at this time. However, a teacher from the high school he attended spoke with FOX 5/KUSI Thursday and described him as a "good kid."

According to Lt. Krugh, authorities do not believe there is any immediate threat or danger to the community in connection to this incident.

The sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and is handling the investigation. The area remained blocked off for several hours Thursday morning, impacting businesses in the area. This included those trying to get to work.

The owner and an employee of one of the businesses at the shopping center, Soul Shake Down Studios, told FOX 5/KUSI they were stuck in their car for several hours Thursday due to the investigation.

“My condolences go out to the family, and to everyone in that. This is the most unfortunate situation that I could have ever imagined,” said the owner Jakob Robinson. He added that he hopes to increase safety measures at his business, which offers late night recording sessions to musicians, in the wake of the shooting.

“We are going to make moves to make sure something like this never happens here again,” Robinson continued.

Investigators are working to find a motive and a suspect. At this time, no arrests have been made and no suspect information is available.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330/after hours at 858-565-5200, or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

FOX 5/KUSI's Danielle Dawson contributed to this report.