Suspect Arrested in Oklahoma City Following Poway Rifle Incident
Eighteen-year-old Cameron Johnson was arrested in Oklahoma City on Saturday after being sought by authorities in California. Johnson was wanted on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and other charges stemming from an incident in Poway. The arrest follows a multi-day search operation initiated after an encounter in the Poway area earlier in the week.
Initial Incident and Search in Poway
The initial incident occurred on Tuesday near Hidden Valley Drive and Birch Lane in Poway. Cameron Johnson reportedly discharged a rifle negligently in an open field. Deputies contacted Johnson at the scene. He was observed wearing military-style fatigues and was in possession of a rifle that did not contain a serial number.
When deputies attempted to detain Johnson, he ran from them into an area marked by dense vegetation. An extensive search effort immediately began. This hours-long operation involved deputies, a sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter, and sheriff’s K-9 units. Despite these resources, Johnson was not located that Tuesday.
San Diego Superior Court Issues Warrant
Following the unsuccessful search, authorities continued their investigation. Deputies served a search warrant at Johnson’s home. During the search, they located and seized body armor and firearm parts that were missing serial numbers.
On Thursday, the San Diego Superior Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Cameron Johnson. The warrant detailed the grounds for the arrest, which included suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of an un-serialized assault rifle, and violation of a Gun Violence Restraining Order. Johnson was actively sought by law enforcement across state lines.
Arrest and Extradition Plans
Johnson was successfully located and apprehended in Oklahoma City on Saturday. This arrest brings a close to the search that began in Poway. Johnson is currently in custody in Oklahoma. He is expected to be returned to San Diego to face the charges authorized by the San Diego Superior Court.