Three Questioned in Man’s Death After Fistfight

Sheriff’s detectives have questioned two men and a juvenile in connection with the death of an American Airlines pilot outside his Escondido home, authorities said Tuesday.

The interviews centered on the reported beating of Myron (Mike) Haag, 53, who died Sunday from head injuries he received when he fell and hit his head the night before, Sgt. Manny Castillo said.

Haag’s head apparently hit asphalt after he was struck in the face by one of three men he confronted outside his home in the 2400 block of San Pasqual Valley Road.

Derreck James Lawton, 18, told investigators during a Tuesday interview that Haag threw the first punch, Castillo said. Bradley Fisher, 20, and an unnamed juvenile, who were with Lawton during the confrontation were also interviewed by detectives, according to Castillo.

The three told authorities that they had stopped to urinate on property near the Haag residence after partying at a nearby location known as the “Teepee,” Castillo said. Haag reportedly saw their mini-pickup truck pull up and went outside and told them to leave.

But the incident took a deadly turn when a fight broke out between Lawton and Haag.

Lawton told investigators that Haag struck him in the face, Castillo said. Lawton then struck Haag in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the asphalt road, Castillo said.

Haag was rushed to Palomar Medical Center, where he died Sunday afternoon.

No arrests have been made, and authorities plan to conduct more interviews before the investigation is complete, Castillo said. The investigation results will be submitted to the district attorney for review.