Body of Man Found Under Car After Shootout at Pomona Motel

The body of a man was found beneath a parked car at a Pomona motel early Wednesday after startled sleepers were awakened by gunfire and called police.

The man, who had not been identified as of late Wednesday afternoon, is about 25 years old, said Sgt. Ray Birch.

Witnesses at the Pomona Inn on West Holt Avenue told police that they saw “a shootout between several males” who fled on foot, but detectives searching the surrounding area did not find any suspects.

Motel guests confirmed in police reports that they not did hear cars leave the area.

Shell casings covered the parking lot, leading police to believe that many guns were used. But police have not yet determined what kinds of guns were used in the shootout, Birch said. Viajay Akikwala, assistant manager of the motel, said the gunshots woke him.

“I do not like to go out at nighttime,” said Akikwala. “When this kind of incident happens, we all become worried. I’m worried.”

At least 65 guests were staying at the motel when the shots rang out, Akikwala said.

Motel rules that prohibit late-night visits to rented rooms has kept the facility relatively free of crime, Akikwala said.