Arrest Made in Dana Point Shooting, Manhunt

A multi-agency manhunt ended Monday when a 40-year-old Orange County man suspected of shooting a person, stealing a vehicle and then fleeing from authorities was arrested.

Deputies responded Sunday morning to a home in the 32500 block of Crete Road in Dana Point and found a 56-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim told investigators that a man named Julian St. John stole his Mercedes Benz SUV after the shooting, authorities said.

A short time later the SUV was found in the San Clemente area and a short pursuit ensued. St. John allegedly abandoned the SUV and ran away after authorities called off the pursuit.

Authorities found a handgun believed to be the shooting weapon inside the vehicle, officials said.
Deputies, along with bloodhounds, US Border Patrol agents, US Marine Corps Police and San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies searched for St. John for five hours but did not find him.

On Monday around 2:50 a.m., State Park Rangers California State Park Rangers found St. John and detained him. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

St. John is being held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled for court on Tuesday. 

Contact Us