A Santa Barbara man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly attempting to kill a man late last year in Port Hueneme in Ventura County.
David Garcia Mares, 37, was taken into custody without incident on the 2000 block of Cliff Drive, according to Sgt. Jesus Chavez of the Port Hueneme Police Department.
An officer on routine patrol on Dec. 31, 2024, observed a disturbance occurring on the 2500 block of Sextant Avenue, Chavez said.
“As he approached the group of people, he discovered that a shooting had just occurred moments prior, and was directed by the group to a shooting victim,” Chavez said. “The suspect fled the area just prior to the officer’s arrival.”
The suspect left in a black SUV, while the victim was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation led authorities to identify Mares as the shooting suspect, Chavez said.
Mares was booked into the Ventura County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in public, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and brandishing a firearm, Chavez said.
He remained in custody Wednesday night.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Chavez at 805.986.6615, or by email at jchavez@cityofporthueneme.org.