Drive-by Shooting Suspect Arrested
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Police arrested a Compton gang member in connection with an August drive-by shooting in a quiet Costa Mesa neighborhood that killed a 23-year-old man and injured four companions.
The shooting, the city’s third in a two-month period, prompted Costa Mesa officials to add two gang police officers and issue a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Israel Maciel, 23, was gunned down six weeks ago shortly after sunset while he chatted with friends in an alley along West Baker Street.
Maciel died at the scene and the other four victims are recovering from gunshot wounds, according to Sgt. Marty Carver.
An investigation led to the arrest of Joshua Anthony Blount, 22, who was picked up Tuesday by Costa Mesa police following a traffic stop in Hawthorne.
Authorities said Blount is a known gang member and was on probation in Los Angeles County for a weapons violation, but police said they have not determined whether the shooting was gang-related.
The investigation is ongoing, and Carver said police are still searching for the firearm, the suspect’s vehicle -- a late model Chevrolet Impala, silver or light blue -- and possibly more suspects.
Blount, who is being held without bail in Costa Mesa City Jail, will be arraigned today at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.
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