Motorist Wounded on Downtown Street
A Santa Paula man driving through the intersection at 12th and Main streets was shot in the face by an assailant in a passing vehicle, police said Tuesday.
Joe Rivas, 20, was taken to Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair a badly wounded eye, authorities said. He is recovering in serious but stable condition.
Police said Rivas’ vehicle entered the intersection about 5 p.m. Monday when they passed another car with several people inside. Someone in the other car fired at Rivas’ vehicle before speeding away. A passenger in Rivas’ car fled before authorities arrived, police said.
Authorities are still trying to interview Rivas about the incident, but police said he is not cooperating. Police have not yet determined if the shooting is gang related.
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