Ex-San Diego reporter shot at victims on roadside after asking ethnicity: Officials

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A former San Diego TV journalist who as soon as reported for Spanish-language retailers is accused of finishing up two separate shootings alongside a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain, allegedly opening hearth on victims after asking about their ethnicity.

Ricardo Berron, a 46-year-old former reporter for Univision and Telemundo stations, was arrested March 10 at San Diego Worldwide Airport, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned in a information launch. He has been charged with two counts of assault with a lethal weapon in reference to the assaults. Prosecutors are additionally in search of hate crimes enhancements, Fox5 reviews.

Authorities allege the shootings occurred on the identical location however months aside and involving completely different victims. The primary passed off on October 6, 2025, round 9:30 p.m., when the alleged sufferer, Joseph Valentino, mentioned he was shot within the arm whereas sitting in his automotive at a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain.

“I seemed over my left shoulder and noticed the silhouette of any individual holding a rifle at my head and sporting a hoodie,” Valentino informed KUSI shortly after the incident.

“I raised my arms and requested him to not shoot. He requested me if I used to be Mexican. I responded sure. At that time, I noticed him zero in on my head, and instinctively turned to the appropriate. I heard the shot. It missed my face and caught my arm,” he mentioned.

Valentino mentioned he sped away after the encounter, and {that a} second shot hit his rear drained. He managed to achieve a close-by residence and name for assist. Deputies and paramedics arrived about an hour later, and he was taken to Palomar Medical Heart, the place docs had been in a position to save his arm regardless of extreme accidents from the gunshot.

Then, on February 23, a second man reported being approached on the mountain whereas stargazing.

“Throughout the interplay, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a single spherical by way of the motive force’s aspect window whereas the sufferer was seated inside his car. The suspect then fled the scene in a car. The sufferer was not damage,” the sheriff’s workplace mentioned.

The second alleged sufferer additionally mentioned the suspect requested him about his ethnicity earlier than firing.

Authorities later searched Berron’s Chula Vista residence and located a 9mm handgun believed to be linked to at the very least one of many shootings.

The daddy of 5 has since been launched on bail and was scheduled to look in court docket on March 17, Fox 5 reported Monday.

Berron declined to reply questions when approached outdoors his residence, driving away with out remark, the outlet reported. His spouse pushed again on the accusations, saying authorities have the unsuitable individual.

The Unbiased has contacted the SDSO for remark.