Newport Beach, California - A dramatic confrontation unfolded on Saturday morning at Newport Beach Pier when police fatally shot 45-year-old Jose Velasquez, who was fleeing authorities after allegedly killing 38-year-old Storm Wolf earlier the same day.
The sequence of events began at approximately 2:43 AM when the Menifee Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the 25000 block of Mesa Edge Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Wolf inside her silver pickup truck, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities quickly identified Velasquez, described as Wolf's acquaintance, as the prime suspect. According to the Menifee police, he fled the scene before they arrived.
Realizing Velasquez might have traveled nearly 60 miles to Santa Ana, Menifee police reached out to their counterparts there for assistance. At around 6 AM, Santa Ana officers located Velasquez's vehicle near the 1400 block of North Freeman Street and attempted to make the arrest. Instead, Velasquez drove off, leading police on a high-speed pursuit which ended at Newport Beach Pier around 7 AM.
Video footage shows multiple police units trailing the suspect's vehicle as it made its way onto the pier, with shocked onlookers watching from the sidelines. Witness Rajon Robinson was fishing with his family at the time. He recounted, "Next thing you know, helicopters are hovering above and we hear sirens. Then we see this car driving up on the pier. We’ve never seen a car drive up on the pier before as we're fishing." Robinson described the sudden chaos as moments later, he had to shield his young son from the gunfire. "I had to shield and protect my son... we’re all traumatized and devastated," he added.
When Velasquez reached the end of the pier, he exited his vehicle armed with a handgun. Santa Ana police say officers opened fire, resulting in Velasquez being pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no officers or bystanders were reported injured during the incident.
Santa Ana Police Department spokeswoman Natalie Garcia confirmed Velasquez did not fire at law enforcement prior to being shot. "The suspect did not fire at law enforcement, but he exited the vehicle armed with a firearm," Garcia stated, adding, "A firearm was recovered at the scene." The investigation is considered complex, and the pier remained closed for several hours post-incident.
The Newport Beach Police Department extended their search for any witnesses to the event. They posted on social media, requesting anyone who witnessed the shooting to contact the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The community remains shaken by the violent outbreak, with many reflecting on the shocked reactions of those who witnessed the shooting. Robinson’s sentiment is shared among many present on the pier, as they cope with the trauma of the day.
The police investigation continued throughout the day, with updates on the case being awaited by the public. The Newport Beach Police Department has assured the community, "There is no threat to the public," encouraging residents to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.
The circumstances leading to the shooting of Velasquez closely link to the earlier homicide investigation involving Wolf, raising several unanswered questions about their relationship and what transpired prior to the deadly encounter. While police have not yet released comprehensive details surrounding the original homicide, they continue to urge the public for assistance as they gather information.
Overall, the incident at Newport Beach pier not only serves as a tragic reminder of the violence permeated through the community but also highlights the risks law enforcement officers face during pursuit and apprehension of suspects. With investigations still proceeding, the community continues to reflect on the incident, demonstrating support for those affected by the violence.
The Newport Beach Pier was eventually reopened later Saturday, with police assuring the public of safety and reiterations on tapping community spirit against crime.