Law enforcement officials in the sky above Poway and on the ground were looking for a teen who allegedly fired multiple rounds from an assault rifle on Tuesday afternoon.
The search was underway in the woods near the intersection of Hidden Valley Drive and Birch Lane after the suspect, 18-year-old Cameron Johnson, allegedly fired rounds from the weapon in the upscale neighborhood of multi-story single-family homes.
According to a sheriff’s sergeant at the scene, the rifle was fired behind and away from the home of Johnson’s grandmother, toward the mountains behind it.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department watch commander told NBC 7 that the county’s ASTREA helicopter was flying above the scene, offering a description of the teen, who was last seen wearing camouflage clothing and a white-and-tan hat. The helicopter was later called off the search.
Meanwhile, deputies on the ground were setting up a perimeter for the search for Johnson. Officials did not believe the teen was armed since they had custody of the rifle.
Around 4:30 p.m., SDSO said there was no threat to public safety or remaining weapons. The teen was not taken into custody but authorities did expect him to return to the area.
By about 10 p.m., Johnson had returned to the field behind the home, where deputies set up a perimeter, according to SDSO.
A sheriff’s sergeant told NBC 7 that deputies have responded to complaints at this address in the past, though unspecific about the nature of those calls, however, those calls did not involve firing weapons.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Poway Sheriff’s Station at 858-513-2800.