VISTA–The Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help to identify the person who set off fireworks inside a Target store in Vista.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, just before 9 p.m. at the Target store located in the 3100 block of Business Park Drive. Sheriff’s deputies responded to several 9-1-1 calls about a possible active shooter after people inside the store reported hearing what sounded like gunfire. Once they arrived, deputies set up a perimeter around the store and made their way inside.
Officers from the Carlsbad Police Department, Oceanside Police Department, Escondido Police Department, San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, as well as deputies from other Sheriff’s Stations, arrived on the scene to support the Vista deputies.
The store was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. After a thorough search, no injured victims or suspects were found. Deputies did find a small trash can laying on its side in a store aisle. Inside of the trash can and scattered all over the floor were several burned and exploded firecrackers.
A review of the store’s surveillance video revealed a suspect entering the aisle where the trash can was found. A large flash of light is seen and the suspect runs out of the aisle.
A similar incident happened at a Ross store located in the 32000 block of Temecula Parkway in Temecula back on January 31. Sheriff’s detectives are investigating whether both incidents are related.
The suspect is described as a male with a light complexion. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a white and blue logo, black neck gaiter, black sweater with a white undershirt, black pants and black shoes with white soles.
If you recognize the suspect or have any information about this incident, call the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.
You can also call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Visit www.sdcrimestoppers.org to learn how to submit an anonymous web or mobile app tip.