Chula Vista Man Arrested for Separate Shootings on Palomar Mountain

Suspect accused of assaulting victims with a deadly weapon in October and February incidents.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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A 46-year-old Chula Vista man named Ricardo Berron has been arrested and booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon linked to two separate shooting incidents that occurred months apart on Palomar Mountain. In both cases, the victims reported being approached by the shooter who asked if they were Mexican before opening fire.

Why it matters

The shootings on Palomar Mountain raise concerns about public safety and potential hate-related violence in the rural San Diego County area. The suspect's alleged actions of targeting victims based on their perceived ethnicity also point to the need for further investigation into any potential bias motivations behind the attacks.

The details

In the first incident on October 6, a man was sitting in his vehicle on South Grade Road when he was approached by the shooter, who asked if he was Mexican before opening fire and striking the victim in the arm. In the second incident on February 23, a man was sitting in his car looking at the stars when he was approached by the shooter, who again asked if he was Mexican before opening fire, shooting through the driver's side window but missing the victim. A search of the suspect's home uncovered a handgun believed to have been used in at least the second shooting.

  • The first shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. on October 6, 2025.
  • The second shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on February 23, 2026.

The players

Ricardo Berron

A 46-year-old man from Chula Vista, California who was arrested and booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon for the two shooting incidents on Palomar Mountain.

Sgt. Evan Sobczak

A sergeant with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department who provided details about the investigation and arrest of the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“The shootings on Palomar Mountain raise concerns about public safety and potential hate-related violence in the rural San Diego County area.”

— Sgt. Evan Sobczak, Sergeant, San Diego County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

The suspect, Ricardo Berron, is slated to appear in court next week, at which time prosecutors will decide whether to file charges against him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and investigation into potential bias-motivated crimes, as well as the importance of addressing public safety concerns in rural and remote areas of San Diego County.