SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — 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.
Joseph Valentino said the gunman appeared to target him because of his race. Sheriff’s investigators are still searching for the shooter.
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.
“I looked over my left shoulder and saw the silhouette of somebody holding a rifle at my head and wearing a hoodie,” he said.
Valentino said the gunman asked if he was Mexican before firing.
“I raised my hands and asked him not to shoot,” he said. “He 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 — it missed my face and caught my arm.”
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.
“I hit the gas — my car took off — and I heard a second shot. That second shot hit my rear passenger tire,” he said.
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.
Valentino said a sheriff’s detective told him investigators are also looking into another shooting reported in the same area.
“There’s a deranged coward up there running around with a rifle attacking defenseless people,” Valentino said. “I would avoid the mountain at night.”
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers.
A fundraiser has been created to help pay for his medical expenses.
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