A man has been arrested after firing a gun into the air in a neighborhood in Vista.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, just before 10:00 p.m., deputies from the Vista Sheriff’s Station responded to the 800 block of Arcadia Avenue regarding a text-to-911 report of an active shooter situation.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted witnesses who reported a silver Lexus sedan had driven through the intersection of Anza Avenue and Arcadia Avenue. Witnesses stated an occupant in the vehicle fired a handgun into the air multiple times.
Photo of shell casings recovered from the shooting scene.
Deputies processed the scene and recovered 14 nine millimeter (mm) shell casings near the intersection.
A short time later, a Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter located the Lexus parked at a nearby apartment complex in the 900 block of Arcadia Avenue.
ASTREA provided deputies on the ground with a description of the driver, later identified as Sergio Abrego (DOB 04/17/1983).
From the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter, Abrego was seen exiting the vehicle, dropping a handgun, retrieving it and possibly concealing it in his pocket. ASTREA guided deputies to Abrego’s location. He refused deputies’ commands to stop and attempted to walk away. They were able to safely detain Abrego.
Deputies discovered a concealed machete in Abrego’s pants, as well as a handgun magazine loaded with 9mm rounds. They also recovered an unserialized handgun loaded with an extended magazine near where Abrego was detained. Two additional shell casings were found on the driver’s side floorboard of Abrego’s vehicle.
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Abrego was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple charges, including negligent discharge of a firearm and weapons violations. There were no injuries from the gunfire.
A reminder from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office: if you see something, say something. Call the Sheriff’s Office at (858) 868-3200. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
