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SAN JACINTO — A San Jacinto man is suspected of shooting at people in passing cars, killing one victim and seriously wounding another, authorities said Tuesday.
Julio Cesar Rodarte, 39, was arrested and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on Monday on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and resisting arrest.
Rodarte is being held without bail.
He allegedly killed 42-year-old Victor Hugo Leon of San Jacinto, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Rafael Victorio said that shortly after 7 a.m. Monday, Rodarte positioned himself near the intersection of West Seventh Street and South San Jacinto Avenue, opening fire “at passing vehicles.”
“Multiple vehicles were struck by gunfire,” Victorio said.
He said Leon and another man were hit. Both victims were taken to a regional trauma center for treatment, but Leon succumbed to his wounds.
The other party, whose identity was not released, remained hospitalized Tuesday.
Rodarte evidently fled prior to patrol deputies reaching the area, and Central Homicide Unit detectives took over the investigation.
Victorio said the suspect was tracked down hours later and taken into custody in the area of Scovell Avenue and State Street, less than a mile west of where the alleged shooting occurred.
A possible motive was not disclosed, and background details on the suspect were unavailable.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact investigators at 951-955-2777.
