KELSEYVILLE — A dispute between neighbors over the alleged theft of a dog resulted in a 45-year-old Kelseyville man being shot in the leg just before 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
The Lake County Sheriff”s Office”s SWAT team found Kelseyville resident Brian Thomas Pearson, 39, not in his Nancy Drive home when the search warrant was issued at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday afternoon.
Lt. Patrick McMahon said deputies were still searching his home for evidence of his whereabouts as of around 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Pearson is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon; McMahon said his bail will be $25,000 when he is found.
Lake County Shiriff”s Office deputies responded to the scene at 2 p.m.on Sunday, where they treated the victim for a gunshot wound to his left thigh. He was taken to Sutter Lakeside Hospital shortly thereafter.
Lt. Patrick McMahon said the victim”s name is not releasable at this time.
The Kelseyville man told deputies that Brian Thomas Pearson, 39, the victim”s neighbor, and another man had been waiting for him at the end of his driveway when he came home. Pearson reportedly used a stun gun on the victim during an initial argument, then shot him in the physical confrontation that followed.
McMahon said deputies could not confirm whether or not a dog was stolen. “Of course,” he said, “we haven”t been able to speak to Mr. Pearson yet.”
By the time deputies responded, Pearson had fled the scene. “Someone who didn”t know he was involved gave him a ride out of the area,” said McMahon.
The man who was with Pearson turned in a 38 caliber two-shot pistol to the Clearlake Police Department later in the day, saying it was the one used to shoot the Kelseyville man. Sheriff”s deputies took the firearm as evidence and are attempting to confirm it was used in the crime.
McMahon said deputies have not been able to locate Pearson so far, and the investigation continues.
Pearson is described as a 39-year-old white male with brown hair and eyes, 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff”s Office”s non-emergency line at 263-2690.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
