A homicide suspect died Saturday morning at the Newport Beach Pier after police opened fire on him at the end of a run that had started in Temecula, authorities said. He was 45-year-old Jose Velasquez, wanted in connection with the murder of a woman earlier Saturday, according to officials.
The shooting reportedly occurred around 2:45 a.m. when Menifee police were called to the 25000 block of Mesa Edge Court due to reports of gunfire. The officers found 38-year-old Storm Wolf inside a silver pickup truck with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Velasquez was quickly identified as the primary suspect; however, he had left the scene before the law enforcement personnel arrived.
It was later in the morning when officers from the police department of Santa Ana found Velasquez’s vehicle in the 1400 block of North Freeman Street, where they attempted to make a traffic stop on him. Not complying, led to the pursuit of Velasquez in multiple jurisdictions up to Newport Beach Pier, at about 6:50 a.m.
As Velasquez’s car arrived at the pier, onlookers saw the dramatic scene play out. Witnesses said they heard a helicopter overhead, and then police squad cars chasing Velasquez’s Honda CRV. He drove to the end of the pier and got out of the car with a gun. Police officers fired several shots, killing Velasquez. Authorities later said he did not shoot at officers.
No policemen or any onlooker was injured in the case. Officials are asking those with information to come forward. The shooting is being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
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