Antonio Garcia of La Mesa Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting

A La Mesa man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting on Thursday, Oct. 4, in which one person was shot in the back of the head, La Mesa police said Monday.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:22 p.m. in the 5800 block of Amarillo Avenue. The victim, Josue Rodriguez, 33, was rushed to the hospital, but eventually succumbed to his injuries.

The motive for the slaying remains unknown, though witnesses reported hearing an argument between two men just before the gunfire rang out, according to Willis.

It also was unclear why the victim was in the neighborhood where he was slain. He had driven there but was on foot when he was shot, possibly while trying to run away from the assailant, Willis said.

The gunman apparently left the scene on foot and was picked up by someone in a vehicle a short time later.

An investigation led detectives to a residence in the 1800 block of “G” Avenue in National City, where the suspect was believed to be hiding at a relative's home. There, LMPD found Antonio Garcia, 32, of La Mesa, who was taken into custody. No one was harmed during the arrest.

No arrest information is available, but police said Garcia will be booked on suspicion of murder.

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com).  You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

– City News Service contributed to this report.