SAN DIEGO (FOX 5\/KUSI) \u2014 A San Diego man is recovering from serious injuries after he was shot by a stranger earlier this month while visiting a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain.<\/p>\n
Joseph Valentino said the gunman appeared to target him because of his race. Sheriff\u2019s investigators are still searching for the shooter.<\/p>\n
Valentino said the attack happened around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 along Highway 76. He told deputies he was sitting in his car enjoying the view when someone tapped on his rear window.<\/p>\n
\u201cI looked over my left shoulder and saw the silhouette of somebody holding a rifle at my head and wearing a hoodie,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Valentino said the gunman asked if he was Mexican before firing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI raised my hands and asked him not to shoot,\u201d he said. \u201cHe asked me if I was Mexican. I responded yes. At that point, I saw him zero in on my head, and instinctively turned to the right. I heard the shot \u2014 it missed my face and caught my arm.\u201d<\/p>\n
The impact of the bullet sent him over the center console, and he said he could feel blood running down his face. Despite his injuries, Valentino said he managed to start his car and drive away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hit the gas \u2014 my car took off \u2014 and I heard a second shot. That second shot hit my rear passenger tire,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Valentino was able to drive to a nearby home and call for help. Deputies and paramedics arrived about an hour later, and he was taken to Palomar Medical Center. Doctors were able to save his arm, which was severely damaged by the bullet.<\/p>\n
Valentino said a sheriff\u2019s detective told him investigators are also looking into another shooting reported in the same area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a deranged coward up there running around with a rifle attacking defenseless people,\u201d Valentino said. \u201cI would avoid the mountain at night.\u201d<\/p>\n
The San Diego County Sheriff\u2019s Office is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers.<\/p>\n