LOCAL : Suspect in Shooting Surrenders

A Fullerton man suspected of shooting at a Tustin patrol officer after a routine traffic stop surrendered to police this morning, authorities said.

David Getchell, 42, was booked in the Orange County Jail on suspicion of attempting to kill a police officer, Tustin Police Lt. Chuck Crane said.

Crane said the incident began about 7:50 p.m. Sunday when the officer, whose name was withheld, stopped Getchell for a traffic violation near 1st and B streets in Tustin. Getchell scuffled with the officer, then pulled a handgun, shot at the officer and ran north on B Street toward Irvine Boulevard, Crane said. The officer fired at the fleeing suspect but lost sight of him, Crane said.

Police used bloodhounds and helicopters from the Santa Ana Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department in an unsuccessful search Sunday night. Crane said Fullerton and Tustin police surrounded Getchell’s apartment this morning. Getchell later telephoned Tustin Investigator Nasario Solis and agreed to surrender to police, he said.

Getchell told investigators that he is a Vietnam veteran who recently experienced domestic problems, Crane said.