Mason James Lira is believed to have killed a homeless man.
June 12, 2020, 1:12 AM
5 min read
The Paso Robles, California, Police Department said they shot and killed the gunman who has been on the run since early Wednesday after he allegedly targeted a precinct and injured a deputy. He is also believed to be responsible for the murder of a transient man in the area.
Three officers were wounded in a shootout as well, police said. Their conditions are not known.
The suspect was found with multiple guns.
Earlier in the afternoon, Paso Robles police and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said shots had been fired near Ramada Drive and Volpi Ysabel Road and ordered individuals in the area to shelter in place. The sheriff’s office said a perimeter had been set up around the alleged suspect.
An Arroyo Grande Police Officer, also a member of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team, was shot in that earlier incident between authorities and the apparent suspect, according to the city of Arroyo Grande. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Local law enforcement, the California Highway Patrol and the FBI have been searching for the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Mason James Lira, since they believe he opened fire on law enforcement at about 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Nicholas Dreyfus, a 28-year old deputy with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the early morning shooting and was shot in the face, officials said. His prognosis is good, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities believe Lira is a transient from the Monterey, California, area.
Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities also believe Lira is connected to a Wednesday morning homicide near the Paso Robles Amtrak Station.
The sheriff’s office said the body of a man who was shot in the head at close range was found near the station Wednesday morning. The victim killed was likely a transient who was camping out near the train tracks, authorities said.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
