CLEARLAKE >> The masked suspects of a Tuesday night shooting remains at large.
At about 8:47 p.m. Clearlake Police Deparment (CPD) were dispatched to the area of 36th and Phillips Avenue on a report of shots fired and a person yelling for help, according to a press release by CPD Sgt. Nich Bennett. On arrival, officers found 43-year-old Geraldo Rivera prone in the rear yard of 15886 36th Ave. and shot in the lower portion of his body. Rivera was treated at the scene by Station 70, transported to St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake and then transported to a hospital out of the area for further treatment.
Rivera stated the power in his residence had gone out, and when he went to the backyard to check the electrical service panel he was confronted by masked individuals who began shooting at him, Bennett stated. They then ran in different directions out of his sight. While officers were securing the area and searching for the suspects and other possible victims in and around the residence they discovered processed marijuana inside the residence, packaging materials, scales, plastic tote tubs as well as numerous weapons and thousands of rounds of pistol and rifle ammunition.
Officers on the scene allege the residence was used solely for the purpose of cultivating and sales of marijuana, Bennett stated. Although there was a medical marijuana recommendation card at the residence, it did not permit the nearly 100 pounds of cultivated marijuana that was ultimately seized along with the illegal weapons and ammunition in the possession of a convicted felon (Rivera) after a search warrant was issued by a Lake County Superior Court Judge.
Witnesses in the area stated they had heard several shots fired and had seen a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Detectives were called in to take over the crime scene and the investigation continues, Bennett stated.
Any person with information in relation to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Peterson at the CPD at 994-8251 ext. 320.
