Gunman shot up car with assault rifle in Mountain View, say San Diego police

Oct 4, 2024 at 8:16 PM

Standoff Ends in Arrest After Alleged Assault Rifle Attack on Parked Car

In a startling incident that unfolded in the Mountain View area of San Diego, a man allegedly opened fire on an unoccupied parked car using an assault rifle from inside a nearby home. The incident prompted a brief SWAT standoff that ultimately led to the suspect's arrest, though thankfully no one was harmed in the initial gunfire.

Suspect Apprehended After Tense Standoff with Police

Gunshots Reported in Mountain View Neighborhood

The incident began early Friday morning when police received reports of gunshots in the 200 block of Vista Horizon Street. According to the San Diego Police Department, around six shots were fired from an assault rifle at an unoccupied parked car, though the vehicle was not struck. The shooting occurred at approximately 6 a.m., and when officers arrived on the scene, the suspect had retreated into a nearby residence.

Suspect Refuses to Surrender, Prompting SWAT Response

When police arrived, the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Travis Kingston Kirk, refused to exit the home and surrender to authorities. This prompted a standoff situation, with the San Diego Police Department's SWAT team being called in to assist. The standoff continued for about an hour, as officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect and convince him to peacefully surrender.

Suspect Apprehended After Voluntary Surrender

Shortly before 8 a.m., the standoff came to an end when the suspect voluntarily walked out of the house and gave himself up to the police. Officers searched the residence and reportedly found a semi-automatic style rifle and several rounds of ammunition. The suspect was then taken into custody and booked on charges of attempted murder and other firearm-related offenses.

Motive and Circumstances Remain Under Investigation

The San Diego Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect's motive for the alleged assault rifle attack on the parked car. Authorities have not yet released any information about a potential connection between the suspect and the targeted vehicle, or any other details that may shed light on the underlying reasons for the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be made public as the case progresses.

Community Relieved No One Was Harmed

While the incident undoubtedly caused significant concern and disruption within the Mountain View neighborhood, residents expressed relief that no one was injured in the initial gunfire. The swift response and apprehension of the suspect by the San Diego Police Department and SWAT team were praised, as the community grapples with the unsettling nature of the alleged attack and the subsequent standoff.