Police arrest suspect in connection with fatal shooting inside Newport Beach home

A suspect was in custody Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in a Newport Beach residence, police said.

Rodney James Hartzel, age unknown, was arrested following the Thursday night shooting, according to Newport Beach Police Department spokeswoman Heather Rangel. It was not immediately clear whether he was booked on suspicion of murder.

Rangel said there’s no ongoing threat to the community.

Police were called about 8 p.m. Thursday to the 20000 block of Orchid Street on reports of gunshots fired, Rangel said. When officers arrived, they found the body of 63-year-old Derek Leason inside a residence, she said.

Anyone with information or a witness to the crime is asked to contact Newport Beach police Det. Michael Fletcher at (949) 644-3779.

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