Freeway Sniper Probe: Vehicles Hit by Rocks

A Navy investigation found that thrown rocks--not gunfire--appear to have caused damage to 11 vehicles on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton on March 24, the U.S. Marine Corps announced Friday.

A Camp Pendleton Marine apprehended by military police on the night of the incident is still a suspect, and he remains confined to his unit on the base, according to a statement released by Camp Pendleton officials.

The California Highway Patrol initially responded to the incident, reported as a possible sniper attack on motorists near the southbound Aliso Creek rest area on Interstate 5.

CHP officers believed the damage could have been caused by gunfire, BB gun pellets or rocks, but the department withdrew from the investigation after it was taken over by Camp Pendleton’s military police and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service.

The suspect was apprehended while attempting to leave an area known as Red Beach, close to the area where the cars were damaged. The CHP reported that firearms were found in the suspect’s vehicle.

If the Marine is eliminated as a suspect, the investigation will be referred to civilian law-enforcement authorities.

The Navy investigators are awaiting results from a gunshot residue test, according to the statement by military officials. Investigators did not explain why the test would be necessary if gunfire did not appear to be involved.

The name of the suspect and victims have not been released by the military.

The suspect was released from the brig Monday and confined to his unit, under orders of a military magistrate.