Man charged in Laguna Hills security guard shooting
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. - A man has been charged with attempted murder after a Laguna Hills neighborhood security guard was shot while sitting in his car late Tuesday morning.
The shooting happened around 11 a.m. near Saddle Rock Place and Bridlewood Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. A witness to the shooting dialed 911, officials said.
Authorities said the victim was shot in the upper torso. He was taken to the hospital for treatment where he remains in critical condition.
The suspect was later identified by authorities as 32-year-old Matthew Luke Pickens of Laguna Hills. Pickens has been charged with attempted murder with sentencing enhancements for attempted premeditated murder, discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and inflicting great bodily injury on the victim.
Pickens was arrested the same day after authorities surrounded his home and he surrendered peacefully.
After obtaining a search warrant, Orange County investigators seized multiple weapons from the home, as well as Pickens’ vehicle.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the OCSD at 714-647-7000. Those who wish to remain anonymous can also submit tips to Orange County Crime Stoppers.
City News Service contributed to this report.