A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting death of an 18-year-old Walmart worker in the store’s parking lot in Chula Vista’s Eastlake area, according to authorities.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, officers were summoned to the Walmart in the 1300 block of Eastlake Parkway shortly after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in response to numerous 911 callers alleging a shooting.
Officers came to find a victim with a single gunshot wound and carried out life-saving procedures. The victim was sent to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego for further treatment, but he died upon arrival, according to authorities.
Police described the victim as a male citizen of Chula Vista.
Police stated, “After the shooting, the suspect called 911 to report the incident and waited for responding officers to contact him nearby. The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Thomas Perez of Chula Vista. The initial investigation revealed Perez and the victim were involved in a mutual fight when Perez produced a holstered firearm from his waistband and shot the victim.”
Perez was taken to the San Diego County Jail and charged with homicide, according to authorities.
A Walmart spokeswoman told ABC 10News that the victim worked at the Eastlake Parkway store.
“We are heartbroken by what happened at our Chula Vista, California, store Tuesday night. We will continue working closely with local law enforcement as they investigate,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Anyone with information on the incident is requested to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
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