On April 9, 2023, at approximately 5:30 a.m., deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 3000 block of Equitation Lane in Bonita, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 54-year-old John Wesley Dooley, a transient living in the area, suffering from a gunshot wound. Dooley was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Later that morning, around 8:28 a.m., the San Diego Police Department received reports of another shooting in the Jamacha-Lomita neighborhood, where a man had been shot in the arm with a shotgun. Officers at the scene identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's Chevrolet truck from the earlier Bonita shooting. When they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled, leading authorities on a pursuit through Chula Vista and onto Interstate 805, eventually transitioning to Interstate 5. The chase concluded near East Mission Bay after officers deployed spike strips, causing the suspect's vehicle to crash into the center divider. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended with the assistance of a police K-9 unit. A shotgun, believed to be the weapon used in both incidents, was recovered from the suspect's truck.
The suspect, whose identity was not immediately released, was hospitalized for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash and dog bites. Authorities indicated that the individual would face charges related to both shootings upon release from the hospital. The motive behind the shootings remained under investigation, and the relationship between the suspect and the victims was not immediately clear.
In the wake of Dooley's death, his family remembered him as a San Diego native and the youngest of three siblings. Despite facing numerous challenges, including struggles with addiction and periods of incarceration, Dooley was known for his willingness to help others and his sense of humor. His family highlighted his intelligence and diverse work experiences, noting that he learned Spanish and collaborated with individuals from various backgrounds. They expressed hope that his passing would shed light on the struggles faced by the homeless and those battling addiction, advocating for greater support and understanding for such individuals.
