San Diego

After a foot chase Sunday through Balboa Park, police arrested a man in connection with the shooting death only moments before of another man outside their downtown hotel rooms, police reported.

Henry David Williams is being held in County Jail without bail in connection with the death of Donald Wagner, 24, who was a resident of the New Palace Hotel on Elm Street. Williams, also a resident, lived on the same floor as Wagner.

Police responded at 6:35 p.m. to a shooting report at the hotel, where officers found the body of Wagner lying in the hall of the third floor. Deputy Coroner Dan Matticks said Wagner died of gunshot wounds to his head and upper body.

Sgt. Joe Costa, who was off duty and apparently working on a theatrical project in the hotel at the time of the shooting, chased the armed gunman toward Balboa Park, homicide Sgt. Arthur Beaudry said.

Costa was joined by several other officers in the chase that spanned about 10 blocks. Beaudry said the chase ended when Williams threw down his sawed-off shotgun and surrendered.