Detectives with the Vista Sheriff’s Station want the public’s help to identify the person who set off fireworks inside a Target store in Vista.
It happened on Tuesday, February 2nd just before 9:00 p.m. at the Target located in the 3100 block of Business Park Drive. Deputies from the Vista Sheriff’s Station responded to several 9-1-1 calls about a possible active shooter after people inside the store reported hearing what sounded like gunfire. Once they arrived, deputies quickly set up a perimeter around the store and made their way inside.
Officers from the Carlsbad Police Department, Oceanside Police Department, Escondido Police Department, San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, as well as deputies from other Sheriff’s Stations, quickly arrived on the scene to support the Vista Deputies.
The store was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. After a thorough search, no injured victims or suspects were found. Deputies did find a small trash can laying on its side in a store aisle. Inside of the trash can and scattered all over the floor were several burned and exploded firecrackers.
A review of the store’s surveillance video revealed a suspect entering the aisle where the trash can was found. A large flash of light is seen and the suspect runs out of the aisle. A photo of the person seen in the video is attached to this news release.
A similar incident happened at a Ross store located in the 32000 block of Temecula Parkway in Temecula back on January 31st. Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating whether both incidents are related.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and all law enforcement agencies take incidents like this very seriously. While thankfully no one was hurt, setting off fireworks inside any business can lead to injury or even death. A reminder: it is illegal to possess, transport or use fireworks in San Diego County.
The suspect is described as a man with a light complexion. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a white and blue logo, black neck gaiter, black sweater with a white undershirt, black pants and black shoes with white soles.
If you recognize the suspect or have any information about this incident, call the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.
