LUCERNE >> A Lucerne man is behind bars after a shooting incident on Thanksgiving night that left one person wounded.
Deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jose Francisco Casillas, alleging that he fired the non-fatal shot. The 33 year old is in custody at the Lake County Jail while the victim was treated at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
The apparent shooting took place around 8 p.m. on November 23 in the area of the Sandy Beach Trailer Park along Highway 20 in Lucerne. Deputiies on patrol were flagged down by witnesses and the victim.
After a quick investigation, deputies identified Casillas as a possible suspect.
“Casillas had been at the victim’s residence on First Avenue earlier in the evening,” LCSO Lt. Paulich said in a statement issued on Monday morning. “ He was intoxicated and had been showing people a small handgun.”
According to Paulich, witnesses informed the deputies that Casillas got into an argument with the victim and was asked to leave. The victim — who law enforcement authorities did not identify — apparently trailed Casillas to his home, where the dispute continued.
“During the argument Casillas shot the victim one time in the right thigh,” Paulich alleged.
After flagging down deputies, the victim was being transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
Investigators indicated that an acquaintance of Casillas took the weapon from the area. Deputies were reportedly able to contact the person and recover the handgun.
Casillas faces charges of assault with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
He remains in custody at the Lake County Jail on bail of $50,000.
