Ricardo Berron, 46, a former employee of Telemundo and Univision, was arrested Tuesday in connection with two separate shooting incidents on Palomar Mountain that investigators are treating as potential hate crimes, the San Diego Sheriff's Office confirmed.
Background
The first shooting occurred on October 6 in Valley Center near the summit of Palomar Mountain. According to investigators, Berron approached a vehicle parked in the area and banged his rifle on the victim's window. The 57-year-old victim, identified only as Joseph, woke to find a rifle pointed at his head.
In the October interview with 10 News, Joseph described the terrifying encounter: "I looked over my left shoulder, and I saw the silhouette of a man. He was pointing a rifle at my head." Before opening fire, Berron allegedly asked the victim if he was Mexican. After the man confirmed his nationality, Berron fired a shot that struck Joseph in the arm.
Joseph managed to drive away despite being wounded, but another bullet struck his vehicle before he escaped.
The second incident occurred on February 23, again at Palomar Mountain. Prior to allegedly firing a handgun at a man who was star gazing, Berron asked the victim if he was Mexican. The bullet missed the victim, who escaped without physical injury.
The Charges
Berron is facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The San Diego Sheriff's Office confirmed the attacks are being investigated as potential hate crimes due to the specific nature of the encounters, in which Berron allegedly questioned victims about their nationality before opening fire.
Law enforcement apprehended Berron on Tuesday at the San Diego International Airport. While officials confirmed he had been traveling at the time of his arrest, it remains unclear whether he was arriving in or attempting to depart San Diego County.
A search warrant was executed at Berron's residence in Chula Vista. During the search, investigators recovered a 9mm handgun believed to be the weapon used in at least one of the shootings.
Berron was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and released after posting $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 17.
Key Takeaways
- Ricardo Berron, 46, is a former employee of Telemundo and Univision
- Two shooting incidents occurred on Palomar Mountain months apart
- Both victims were asked if they were Mexican before the attacks
- Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun during a search of Berron's Chula Vista residence
- Berron was arrested at San Diego International Airport and released on $100,000 bail
- Arraignment is scheduled for March 17
What's Next
Berron is set to appear for arraignment on March 17. Investigators will continue building their case as they examine the evidence recovered from the Chula Vista residence and determine whether hate crime enhancements are appropriate. The case remains under active investigation by the San Diego Sheriff's Office.
The victims, particularly Joseph who was struck by a bullet, continue to recover from the traumatic incidents.