Youth Reportedly Attempting to Steal Tires Shot to Death
A 15-year-old boy died after he was shot in the head outside a Costa Mesa auto repair shop by a man who allegedly saw him and another youth trying to steal wheels and tires from a car, police said.
Neither the man, who was armed with a shotgun, nor the victim was identified by officers, who said they had not determined whether the boy was armed.
The companion was held at Orange County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of auto theft.
Costa Mesa Police Lt. Rick Johnson said the youths were reportedly trying to drive away from Holtz Volkswagen Repair at 786 West 20th St. with wheels allegedly stolen from a Porsche when the man fired a single shotgun blast.
Johnson said the armed man is “about 30 years old” and not a security guard at the repair shop. He was being questioned by detectives.
Johnson said after the investigation is completed, the district attorney’s office will take over the case and decide if charges should be filed.
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