News Summary
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after shooting 29-year-old Jose Manuel Nares with a flare gun in Huntington Beach. The incident took place near Florida Street and Utica Avenue, and Nares later died at the hospital. The suspect, whose identity is not disclosed, fled but was apprehended by police. The flare gun used in the incident was also recovered. Authorities have stated that the shooting appears to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the community, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Huntington Beach
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the alleged shooting of a man with a flare gun in Huntington Beach on Friday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of Florida Street and Utica Avenue at approximately 8:40 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department found the victim, identified as 29-year-old Jose Manuel Nares of Huntington Beach, suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid and transported Nares to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The teenage suspect, whose identity has not been released due to his juvenile status, fled the scene but was located shortly thereafter by responding officers. Police also recovered the flare gun believed to have been used in the shooting. The teenager has since been booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall on murder charges.
Incident Details
Reports indicate that the shooting was carried out using a flare gun, a weapon typically used for signaling and illumination rather than as a firearm. It is important to note that while fatalities involving flare guns are infrequent, they can inflict serious injury and may be modified to discharge lethal ammunition. Previous incidents have highlighted potential dangers; for instance, in 2021, a 41-year-old man in Auburn, Washington, died after being shot in the chest with a weapon modified to shoot flares.
Police Investigation
Lt. Brian Smith of the Huntington Beach Police Department has indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the incident was isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the local community. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community Appeal
The Huntington Beach Police Department is urging residents who may have video surveillance or any additional information related to the shooting to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to contact the police department at (714) 878-5640.
Background on Flare Gun Use
Flare guns are designed primarily for maritime emergency signaling; however, there are limited statistics on fatalities from flare gun incidents. While these weapons are generally not classified as firearms, modifications can render them deadly. Such adaptations raise concerns regarding their use in violent acts, illustrating a potential risk even in seemingly innocuous items.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence and weapon accessibility among youth. Specifically, the use of non-traditional weapons such as flare guns adds a new layer to conversations about public safety and youth behavior.
As the investigation continues, the community of Huntington Beach is left grappling with the implications of the incident while law enforcement works diligently to ensure the safety and security of its residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- FOX Los Angeles
- ABC7 News
- KTLA
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Flare gun
- Google Search: flare gun incidents
- Google Scholar: flare gun violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flare gun
- Google News: Huntington Beach flare gun shooting
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
