Second Motorist Target of Gunshots, Police Say

A second motorist came forward Friday to say his vehicle was struck by gunfire at about the same place and time Thursday that an El Cajon man was shot while driving home from work on California 94, authorities said.

The name of the second driver was not released by the San Diego Police Department, but he told investigators Friday that his vehicle was hit by single gunshot about 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

However, police said they could not verify that the second shooting occurred at the same time that Christopher Bonta was wounded.

Bonta, 32, who works for a heating and air-conditioning supply firm, was hit by a bullet that lodged under his rib cage, said Bill Robinson, police spokesman. Bonta underwent surgery at Mercy Hospital Thursday and was reported in fair condition Friday.

He was eastbound on 94 between Euclid Avenue and Federal Boulevard when the shot was fired, Robinson said. Bonta made his way to the Cox Cable parking lot at 5159 Federal Blvd., where authorities were notified.

Robinson said a police helicopter searched an area of Southeast San Diego where witnesses reported hearing two shots, but the hunt produced no suspect.

“It could have been a random shot from a canyon,” Robinson said. “It could have been a sniper from a hill. It could have been a person in another car. We just don’t know. We don’t have a suspect, and we don’t know the motive.”