A teenager was taken into custody Monday, accused of shooting and killing his father in Scripps Ranch. Investigators say they are unsure where or how the teenager acquired the gun used in the crime.
The 15-year-old was detained at about 1 a.m. on Scripps Poway Parkway near Interstate 15, more than four hours after a man called 911 to report his father had been shot by his younger brother, said San Diego Police Department Lt. Anthony Dupree.
Police first responded to a unit at a condo complex near the intersection of Scripps Ranch Boulevard and Affinity Court just after 8:40 p.m.
Inside, Thanh Pham, 46, was injured with at least one gunshot wound to his upper body, police said. Pham later died from his injuries.
Police searched the complex and nearby streets for the teen but could not locate him. At about 1 a.m., a citizen spotted the teen and called 911, Dupree said.
The teenager was taken into custody less than two miles where the shooting had occurred. Police searched through the teen's bag and found a handgun.
Neighbors were shocked to hear the news.
"This isn't the community," Navwn Arra said. "We have a lot of kids here, a lot of families. I wouldn't expect anything of that sort happening here. It's shocking to us."
It was unclear what led up to the shooting. Homicide detectives were at the scene late into the night to conduct an investigation.
The suspect was booked into Juvenile Hall.
He is a sophomore at Mira Mesa High School, according to principal Jeff Sabins.
Sabins sent a letter to parents saying the school's first priority is a safe and secure learning environment for students.
"This is an active investigation so I cannot share any details at this time. We have additional counselors on site to assist students and staff, as needed. We will continue to monitor and support our students here at school," Sabins said.
