A TV news reporter sensationally accused of shooting at two Hispanic men in separate incidents has spoken out for the first time following his arrest.
“Pretty soon everything will be cleared up,” Ricardo Berron – who is Hispanic himself – exclusively told the California Post at his $900,000 Chula Vista home that he shares with his wife and children.
The married father-of-five was arrested on March 10 at San Diego International Airport as he was preparing to leave for a vacation, according to authorities.
They say a 9mm handgun was found at Berron’s home which they allege was used in at least one of the attacks.
The 46-year-old is a former on-air reporter and charismatic anchor for the Spanish-language stations Univision and Telemundo.
The blinds were closed at the four-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,700 square-foot property on Thursday when a Post reporter approached. The comfortable home is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac just 11 miles from downtown San Diego.
Berron is now facing possible hate crime charges after law enforcement say he shot at the two men in separate incidents which both occurred on scenic Palomar Mountain located 67 miles north of where he lives.
Investigators believe he targeted the victims because of their ethnicity.
Sgt. Evan Sobczak told Fox 5: “This could possibly be motivated by hate. Both victims in these cases were Hispanic and there were statements made by the suspect something similar to ‘are you Hispanic’ prior to shooting at them.”
Authorities later searched Berron’s home and recovered a 9-millimeter handgun that they believe was used in at least one of the chilling shootings
The latest attack happened on Feb. 23 while the victim was parked along a dirt shoulder near the mountain summit as he was enjoying looking at the stars and he was approached by the suspect with a gun.
During the interaction, a single shot was fired through the driver’s side window while the victim was seated inside. The suspect fled the scene and the victim escaped unhurt.
Investigators now say the same suspect was responsible for a similar attack on Oct. 6 last year. In that instance that victim, who was parked up admiring the views, was struck by a bullet.
The man, called Joseph, said he raised his hand and pleaded with the man not to shoot. The suspect asked whether he was Mexican.
When Joseph said he was, the gunman aimed at his head and fired. The bullet – which shattered the car window – narrowly missed his face and struck his arm.
Joseph told Fox 5: “At that point I saw him zero in and aim for my head. I instinctively turned to the right. I heard the shot and the shot came through the window, missed my face and caught my arm.”
The victim said the gunman fired again as he drove away, striking his rear passenger tire. Forensic evidence collected from that shooting helped investigators identify a suspect.
Berron’s wife denied the allegations to the outlet. He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on March 17.
The California Post has reached out to Berron’s attorney for comment.
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