A teenager was arrested for murder after allegedly shooting a man with a flare gun in Huntington Beach on Friday night. The incident took place near Florida Street and Utica Avenue around 8:40 p.m., prompting officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department to respond to reports of a shooting.
When they arrived, officers found the victim, identified as 29-year-old Jose Manuel Nares, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite receiving medical attention and being rushed to a hospital, Nares later died from his injuries.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, fled the scene but was quickly found by police. The flare gun used in the shooting was also recovered. The teenager has since been booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall.
Authorities have noted that flare guns can cause serious injuries and can be modified to fire different types of ammunition. This incident is particularly concerning, as it reflects the potential dangers associated with such weapons. In a similar case from 2021, a man died after being shot with a modified flare gun in Washington state.
Police spokesperson Jessica Cuchilla stated that detectives believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. They are encouraging anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department.
This tragic event highlights the risks associated with firearms, even those that may not typically be considered weapons. The community is left reeling after the loss of a young life, and investigators are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding this shooting.