Marine Suspect in Freeway Car Attacks Released From Brig

A Camp Pendleton Marine suspected of an attack last week on six cars along Interstate 5 was restricted to his unit on the base after being released from the brig Monday, authorities said.

Officials from the Navy Criminal Investigative Service are looking into Friday night’s incident, when the cars were peppered with small-arms gunfire--or possibly BBs or rocks--near the southbound Aliso Creek rest area.

The Navy detectives have not released the name of the suspect nor any details about the incident.

“There was a suspect. He has not been charged,” said Capt. Patricia Restrepo, spokeswoman for the Marine base in northern San Diego County. “He has been turned over to his unit and placed on restriction in lieu of confinement.”

He is the only suspect, she said.

The suspect was held in the brig, but a military magistrate Monday ordered him released and confined to his military unit, Restrepo said.

Commanding officers have the authority to place any Marine in confinement, as was done in this case, but the action is reviewed by a magistrate, Restrepo said. During the hearing, the magistrate determines whether the Marine is a danger or likely to flee, she said.

After the incident was reported at 8:40 p.m. Friday, the California Highway Patrol closed the freeway for 30 minutes between the San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint and Mission Avenue in Oceanside. CHP officers joined military police in the search for a suspect.

They apprehended the Marine near the Red Beach Training Area around 10 p.m. and in his vehicle found rifles, pistols and ammunition, according to the CHP.

Investigators know of no witnesses, said CHP Officer Teri Reese, agency spokeswoman in Oceanside.

On Tuesday, Reese said the damage may have been caused by small-arms fire, a pellet gun, BBs or rocks.

All of the evidence has been turned over to naval investigators, who have not released information about the incident.

The military also has not released the names of the motorists whose cars were damaged.